Monday, June 06, 2005
Following Donovan
Bruce Arena often hits the mark with his comments to the press. In this NY Times profile of Landon Donovan, he does it again:
Donovan needs to rid himself of these traits if the US is going to have much success in Germany next year. Not to beat a dead horse, but I don't know if playing in MLS is going to do him much good in this quest.
"Consistency is the key for Landon," Arena said. "I hold him to a higher standard than he holds himself, sometimes. Each and every game, he doesn't need to score goals, but he's got to have a major influence on our team. That's not asking too much of him."In just a few short words, Bruce captures the two most worrying aspects of Landon's play: his seeming complacency and his frequent disappearances on the field.
What did he mean about holding Donovan to a higher standard than he held himself? Arena was asked.
"When the games are tough, we need to see Landon," Arena said. "He can't be hiding. I think this year's been up and down. He's either been very good or just O.K. And I'd like him to be good every game."
Donovan needs to rid himself of these traits if the US is going to have much success in Germany next year. Not to beat a dead horse, but I don't know if playing in MLS is going to do him much good in this quest.
