MLS is not quite EPL

Out of curiosity, what makes you say that?

Hello everyone, another yank here. (oh noes!) I'm another "one" who didn't really start following the EPL until some Americans came over. (Admit it, you wouldn't watch the NFL unless you heard of a Brit starting somewhere, right?). Anyway because of this, I have come to be a mini-toffee over here. I'm in Seattle and am a Sounders fan. Go ahead, flame away. On to Donovan - It is almost universally good news to everyone over here, this loan spell. Many of us would like to see him impress and possibly earn a transfer. BUT when he signed that extension with the Galaxy the other day through 2013, that certainly makes that less likely to happen (I would think, anyway, unless the MLS is trying to build up his value for a transfer fee...) I found this site on a google search for Everton forums, and I came to help dispell some myths that I know a lot of Brits have on Donovan. I don't blame you guys either, I'm sure watching the MLS is about as exciting to you guys as watching old people fornicate. Most of you have had most of your exposure to Landon from World Cup action. In 2006, Donovan was pretty crappy. I'll say it. That was not really an accurate representation of how Donovan plays most of the time. In fact that's not even representative of how he plays on the big stages - witness this year's effort in the CONCACAF. You guys are very high on McBride, and rightfully so..... He was a good ambassador for us. To put that in perspective, realize that Donovan has 42 goals on the National Team, most all-time for us. McBride had 30, and Wynalda had 34. I realize the US is not a world-beater when it comes to the National team, but these goals scored are not in MLS-level of play. Donovan put one in the net against Brazil and Italy this year, as a matter of fact. Make no mistake about it, if you're looking for a player in the US, Donovan is probably one of your best options. When all is said and done, you guys need to understand the overall situation. the "R" word is staring in your direction, and you're losing players to other duties and injuries. Here you have one of the best players our country has to offer and for what? A few quid? No skin off your back, I'd be all over this if I were you. Now, what about his reputation about his attitude & his toughness? Frankly I think he was pretty immature when he went to Germany last time around. He went there thinking he was shit hot, that he'd be dominating. I think he got a rude awakening and has since learned his lesson. He is nowhere near as myopic and immature as he used to be, now he is a very good leader for both his MLS team and the US Nat team (yes he doesn't wear the armband, but he's a leader). He has matured both as a player and on the pitch. He has learned how to better use his smaller frame to his advantage. His speed is amazing - probably one of the fastest in the MLS. He hustles and never seems to slow down... and he's got the foot that can put the sweetest touch on a ball over the keeper while sprinting at full speed. He had five goals this year in MLS that were up for Goal of the Year. Regarding the Beckham deal? You guys realize this was because Beckham extended his loan into the MLS season, right? The spat is all over and done with now, but at the time it was hard to fault Donovan. He was the team captain and was calling out their star player for his priorities. Now I don't blame Beckham too much either as I realize he's trying to prep himself for Nat duty.... But you guys should reverse roles here and pretend it's the Toffee's we're talking about. Imagine your best player doesn't show for half the season so he can play in another league hoping to earn a cap in a year for his home country. You can understand why the player would do that, but does that make it right? It wasn't a sale of Beck's rights, it was a loan that was taken advantage of. Toffee nation would feel abused & abandoned too, I'm sure. Anyway not here to flame or anything, just shed some light on issues and offer a perspective from across the pond (and a lot of land, actually). On that note I'll bow out, but ask have you guys ever heard of Stuart Holden? He's a guy the MLS is trying hard to keep there and is probably EPL-starter quality. He's a selfless player, so he doesn't have gaudy scoring stats, but he has a tremendous foot and is very Beckham-ish on set pieces. Plus he looks like he's in a boy band; how can you possibly go wrong with that? Oh, and I wish Altidore had a shot on your squad as well. I know he's been underperforming at Hull, but I think it's the talent around him. Give him some good mid support and a Forward partner with some consistency, and he would do worlds better, I'm sure of it. He's been much better in international play, for crissakes!