I know very little about soccer but this Landon Donovan story is strange to me. Donovan was left off of the USA World Cup team due to his age (32) or his “lack of heart.” He went on a sabbatical a year ago and came back a changed person which was noticed by Jurgen Kinsmann the coach of the USA team. Landon may not be in his prime, but doesn’t the leading World Cup and MLS goal scorer deserve a spot on the team?
The World Cup roster consists of 23 players. 11 players play at a time and the team gets 3 subs. By my count this leaves a lot of players who won’t be getting into the game. Without watching Landon play in the past 10 years, it’s hard for me to comment on his declining ability but based on the coach not picking him, I’m sure he’s not as good as he was. Is this good enough reason though to leave him off?
I vote no. Here is another graph of scoring chances Donovan created since 2013 on the men’s national team. That’s 13 more than the next closer player going to Brazil. I’m obviously missing something here about his loss of talent in the past year. He is the leading USA World Cup scorer with 5 goals in the past 3 World Cup’s and he has experience like no other. Is Kinsmann saying that the 23rd roster spot is going to have more of an impact than Landon Donovan? Doubt it.
Suck it Kinsmann
Donovan scores 2 goals on Sunday night to become the leading MLS scorer of all time.
Landon Donovan. History. #Landon135 #LAvPHI pic.twitter.com/zjNWEaKThI
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) May 26, 2014
This is a tough story. Coaches are notorious around the world (international & league) for making decisions and comments based on personal favor, etc. over “pace”.
My estimation is that the selections are geared towards a plan – and not a result. Donovan may provide some ability to the current squad – but this would certainly have been his last WC appearance. Often times providing youth the experience is what is valuable to the development and growth of a national program. The US won’t win the WC regardless this year – but providing a group with potentially 2-3 more WC’s in them could serve the team best in the future.
For context: http://www.squawka.com/news/snubbed-a-team-of-brazil-stars-who-arent-going-to-the-2014-world-cup/107096
Ronaldhino was left off the 2010 & 2014 Brazilian roster. He has twice won the FIFA World Player of the Year (awarded to the best overall player in the world) and the Ballon d’Or (given to the best overall player playing in Europe). These are just a few of his career accolades. His international goal-to-appearance ratio is nearly identical to Donovan’s – but playing from a midfield position, not a striker/forward (Donovan).
I think Donovan should have probably been on the team – but (outside of Italy) the soccer world rarely makes decisions based on past performance. Playing in the MLS doesn’t help him either, as he has only logged 11 goals in 58 appearances when playing in much tougher international leagues (Germany / England) over the course of his career.