Monday, January 22, 2007

...on the Subject of Donovan

Some strong opinions came out regarding Donovan's future on the US MNT as a result of the recap posted regarding the Denmark game. Thus, I thought I would post an observation about the pre-game interview with Bradley prior to the game (which is available for your viewing pleasure here, watch the video labeled "...Preview from Carson").

When asked what players have made the best impression so far during the first part of camp, Bradley:
  • Mentions two veterans: Conrad and Mastroeni.
  • Mentions two younger players: Cooper and Bornstein.
Out of this list, one was captain and two were goal scorers. No mention of Landon. I would say that he has yet to earn his stripes with Bob.

4 comments:

rc said...

I honestly thinks he needs a change of scenery. He left Germany before he really gave it a full year shot (rumors have it he was EXTREMELY homesick), came back to the US and had to defend himself endlessly regarding "not being able to cut it in Europe", signs with his hometown team, and is expected to light the world on fire. I think if he had to fight for a spot somewhere (maybe a Dutch team, or an Italian side (where American born players have had a good week) that is middle of the table or fighting relegation) he may learn something about himself. I don't know, but I feel that he elevated himself to this veteran level, and lost the fire we are seeing now in the younger guys.

Unknown said...

Yeah...I don't want to bash him too hard...but I wonder if there complacency/comfort zone has something to do with it. I wish him luck - he definitely has talent and I would like to see him back in form.

Unknown said...

Oh. And I hear that American in the Italian league (Rossi) has stated that he will never play for the US. If that's true, then let's just call him what he is: an Italian.

rc said...

True, he did say that, and he has already appeared for one of the Italian youth national teams, so it is wishful thinking on our part that he would play for us. I guess he likes diving and faking injury too much, and fits in better with the Italians...

But he was born in Jersey (Holla!) so at least he has that going for him...