I think that's just it about Landon. I don't think there really is one. There are currently better players, to be sure, but nobody who is quite that same blend of explosiveness, creativity, passing touch and sheer ignorance (I mean this as a compliment, Donovan doesn't seem to understand that those 65 yard junior-high style runs with ball aren't possible at this level and yet there they are). He's a pretty unique talent. Some people have mentioned Ljunberg, but I don't think he has Donovan's explosiveness. His style appears to be trending toward that of Gianfranco Zola, but Zola is approaching his late 30s now and never ran as well as Donovan does. But it's the same type of game where he can murder you distributing the ball, or putting it in the net, or pressuring defenders. Zola's skill set with Craig Bellamy's athletic abilities.
How about Ole Gunnar Solskajer (sp?) From Man U? Both LD and the Baby Faced Assasin are quite dangerous at forward or midfield. And neither seems to care which one they play. Be kind as I am a newbie. (how long does that last anyway?)
I think that this is the closest description. Donovan is a lot like Bellamy but while Bellamy has more of a striker's killer instinct, Donovan has a little more skill and therefore is more versatile can play a withdrawn position. Donovan doesn't has the skill of Zola but it would be wonderful if he did by the time he is in his mid-30's.
I'd agree that Harry Kewell is probably the closest. But Kewell isn't quite as fast as Donovan. Frankly, IMHO, if Donovan was starting in the EPL, I think he'd be a bigger star than Kewell. And I really am a Kewell fan. -Digital
I'd love for someone to explain to me how Donovan is "overrated". His team is in first place. His coach will tell you he's the best player on his team. And any moron who watched the USMNT game last week can see the guy has talent. Overrated? I guess if you think he should be Maradona. Otherwise he's just a really good player. As for Harry Kewell. They are different players. I'd take Donovan over Kewell. He's faster and he's a better distributor of the ball. Kewell may be a better goal scorer.
I was about to say Joe Cole (playmaker) or Kieron Dyer (more of a scorer though) but they have both been mentioned. Harry Kewell is a young foreigner although he has been in England for almost 10 years and Zola is 37 (?) but he still works magic. So i say the LD of this year is Joe Cole. With the exception of the last few games he has been more of a playmaker. While last season Donovan has been almost non-exsistant in my opinion with the exception of the season they won the MLS Cup. Last season he had no outcome on games and this year he has started taking over games more and more which I think he needs to do since it is pretty obvious he is at a different level than most of the players on the field.
For us it may be the fact that he is a much more prominent name in the soccer minds of people. While in England there are so many good players like Henry, RVN, Owen, Beckham, Gerrard, etc. That said Harry Kewell is in most of the Adidas i see on the internet from over there.