Thursday, May 22, 2014

Landon Donovan Snub Isn't Shocking, But It Is A Pleasent Surprise

It's extremely reassuring to see the bombardment of tweets, posts, texts, and calls that have been received in regards to the latest news of the final 23 players going to the Big Dance.  My phone literally crashed and had to be reset because of all of the texts I got from people in regards to Lando's cut. Anytime someone wants to argue that soccer isn't a big deal in America, just remember this day, and the 30 minutes of social media chaos that ensued with the announcement. 

Some time has passed, my pulse has slowed, and I'm no longer breathing through a paper bag.  Now let's discuss why this really isn't a big shock at all.  Any player that spends the last 8 months confirming that they've lost a step, lost the competitive edge, is looking to retire, and is content with a minor role (or no role at all) on the national team is probably the red flag JK had considered going into the camp. We can argue that Klinsmann had a predetermined notion that Donovan wasn't going to make the team, I certainly believe it given their past interviews on each other, it was no secret that they weren't the best of friends. If we argue against that theory, there's still plenty of evidence that shows why this was the right decision.

First, we all need to realize Donovan is not in shape right now.  Anytime a player is trending on twitter as #fatlandon, you know it's not a good sign going into the deepest pool of players in USMNT history. 

Second, we need to remember what position Donovan got called in for.  He was listed as a FORWARD.  Klinsmann had stated in previous interviews that Landon was called in as a striker, and that's the position he will play in camp.  There was no room for him in our crowded midfield, filled with much younger, and quite frankly hungrier, players.  And unfortunately for him, so is our forward pool.  We have two top quality strikers both under the age of 25 that will see the most minutes up top. I'm going to look past Jozy's season because the fact that Ben Lederman could have scored more goals than him.  Jozy shows up in big games, he works hard when he's with the National Team, and there's no other player I'd rather see start up top for us.  Aron Johannsson is an extremely impressive specimen.  He has proven in club ball that he can score in just about every way possible.  He's got technical ability and a proven nose for goal.  Untested for the national team, it will be interesting to see where his role will be and how he fits into JK's plans.  I'm aware of the fact that my prejudice against Wondo is really tough to get past, but for professionalism, I will try.  The reason he made it over Donovan is because of form.  As we saw in the last World Cup, at least one striker makes the team because of a hot streak (i.e. Gomez and Buddle.  Yes, let's not forget Buddle was in South Africa).  And when it comes down to domestic and international form, is there any player in the world who is better than Chris Wondolowski at what he does?  The dude was a beast in the Gold Cup, and was unstoppable last season for San José.  Do I agree that he deserved a spot over Boyd? Not at all.  But over Donovan, it just makes sense.

Third, we don't need him just because he brings leadership.  Our team's average age is two years younger than last World Cup's team, but that doesn't mean we lack leadership.  Anyone who says Landon is a great leader and the player's captain on the field isn't necessarily wrong, but the fact is; he's NOT the captain, and he's not the only one on the roster with experience.  The USMNT has never had a player play in four World Cups, so it's nothing new if Donovan isn't there (Beasley will now be the first American to accomplish this feat).  We've got four players that will start who have all worn the captains armband at least once before: Tim Howard, Michael Bradley, DaMarkus Beasley, and current captain Clint Dempsey.  Not to mention the amount of club captains sprinkled in defense and midfield. You've got each of those players in different positions, spread through the entire field, so what's the problem?  Why do we need Donovan to add to that?

Comment below and let us know what you think about Klinsmann's decision.  Was it right? Was it simply personal? Will it cost him his job if we lack leadership?

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