Donovan can lead US to World Cup run

Tickel Yer' Fancy

By Hunter Tickel | The News Record
Published: Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Landon Donovan, the greatest American-born soccer player, set foot on an English pitch at Emirates Stadium Saturday, Jan. 9, in his Premier League debut.

The 27 year old is playing at the highest level of his career. Against Arsenal on Saturday, Donovan didn’t resemble the same player that had failed to impress fans in his three previous stints in Europe.

Donovan finally caught a break with Everton, as he was given a chance to start his first game in arguably the world’s best league.

Donovan played inspiring soccer against Arsenal, a world powerhouse. He assisted on Everton’s first goal in the 12th minute with a perfect delivery off a corner kick.

He played with pace, helped his teammates on defense and, most importantly, he played with the same confidence and swagger he showed when playing in America.

His efforts contributed toward Everton earning its first tie against Arsenal since 1996.

But Donovan isn’t the only American on Everton making his presence felt.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard was recently named by the team as one of the top-12 Everton players of the decade, and he continues to prove that he is one of the best goalkeepers in soccer.

Howard could start for any team in the world, but U.S. fans will be fortunate enough to have him starting for their team come June.

We’re just five months away from this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. Not every player’s spot on the U.S team is secured, and several players currently playing abroad are still looking to earn their place on the national team.

Clint Dempsey shouldn’t have too much to worry about.

The Fulham midfielder is currently tied for the top scorer on the team with six goals, one shy of the 10th leading scorer in the league. He was the only goal scorer for the U.S. at the last World Cup, and even more will be expected from him this summer.

Jozy Altidore, a forward for Hull City, has cemented his place in the starting lineup with his club as expected, but it may not be enough for him to get significant minutes in the World Cup. He has yet to score in 15 league games.

Midfielder Stuart Holden has a crucial decision to make after finishing up his contract with Houston, making him a free transfer for European teams. There are rumors circulating that Rangers in Scotland is interested, but if he cannot get playing time immediately, he would be better served to stay in the United States for the time being.

Many players in Europe are making a late push to make the cut for the U.S. team. The determining factor will be whether or not these players can get a regular playing team with their clubs leading up to the World Cup.

An American duo, midfielders DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu is currently playing for Rangers.

Beasley saw a huge drop off in form with Rangers last year and has not made an appearance for the U.S. national team since last summer, but as of late he has
re-emerged with two goals and four assists in his last five games with Rangers.

I’m guaranteeing right now that Beasley will make the U.S. national team and start at least one game in the World Cup.

Edu made his return to soccer in December after a knee injury sidelined him for seven months. If he plays at the level he was performing at before the injury, not only will he make the team, he will be starting for the United States.

If there is one American whose bubble is close to bursting, however, it’s the talented - yet disappointing - midfielder Freddy Adu.

Adu was once dubbed the most talented young player in the world and the savior of
U.S. soccer, but he has failed to be consistent.

Adu is on his third loan in as many years, this time with Aris, of Greece. If he is unable to break into the first team, Adu may be out of options. A to return to the states may be in order if this loan fails.

American players are sprinkled all over Europe and, playing time or not, it has to be a positive sign for U.S. soccer moving forward. With some of America’s best players making their presence felt across Europe, I like our chances against Europe’s and the rest of the world’s national teams this summer in South Africa.