Bump (Just to get this displaying above the aborted thread (without the poll) on the same topic. Mods, please delete that other one. Thanks.)
There have been a lot of votes but not many comments. The top player but plays below potential is safely ahead. I think a big part of this is he can coast and still start for the NATS and be a superstar for the Galaxy. He is not challenged to produce his best performances like Dolo, Convey, McHead, Boca, DMB, etc on a dailey basis... I think this will limit his development. He can sleep walk in games and still start.
to many people expect donavan to be as good as reyna is. trust me i remember when reyna was 24, and donavan is better than he was imo. i know it is impossible to compare the two, but wait till donavan is about 26-28 before people say he is not playing until his potential. the kid is 24, had he gone to college he would only be a second year pro at this point. remember that.
He has the most potential of any player on the US team. He could be amazing, but seems to settle for less. He is inconsistant for LA, but I blame some of this on coaching. He would be better for both the USA and LA if he played one position all of the time, whether its RM, ST, or AM, but right now his versatility is one of his greatest strenghts. If he discovers his best position and plays there for club and country, he will be an amazing player.
To get the most out of Donovan, you have to play to his style and skillset. Above all Landon Donovan is not the type of midfielder who will hold the ball or take on players with dribble. He's like a basketball player who upon receiving the ball is looking to shoot or pass primarily. He's at his best playing the combination game and delivering perfectly waited through balls. As an attacking player he needs support to be effective.
I think what you're trying to say is, he's not a midfielder. He's really a forward that needs to be allowed to roam and do as he pleases. He's at his best when he's doing this.