Donovan back at Everton

Everton look forward this week to the imminent return of American striker Landon Donovan, from his full-time captaincy of MLS team LA Galaxy. Donovan spends the rest of his season in the states, playing for his club and ensuring their continuing success in the domestic league, aided by both David Beckham and Robbie Keane.

However, once the US league finishes, he returns to Everton, and this year his services are needed like never before. Two years ago, he made his debut on loan at Goodison Park, and scored two valuable goals which kick-started Everton’s season. Since then he has gone from strength to strength, winning and MLS Cup, and becoming the USA’s all time international goal scorer.

Donovan begins a two month loan spell at the Liverpool-based club in January when the transfer window reopens, and Everton must make the most of his talent to help their goal tally. In the last 7 games, they have lost four, drawn one and won just two and sit only 4 points from the relegation zone, though they have a game in hand over most of their immediate rivals. They have scored 6 in the last 7 games, and would benefit hugely from a forward capable of scoring consistently, and Donovan will hopefully fit the bill perfectly.

Another intriguing encounter that the striker’s return will provide is the showdown with Tottenham’s American keeper Brad Friedal. In a recent interview Friedal compared Donovan with his compatriot Clint Dempsey, who plays for Fulham. The keeper thought that Donovan had taken “the easy road” by opting to play in America in a league of lower quality, compared to Dempsey who remains in the English Premiership. The two players meet on the 11th of January, and the battle between the striker and keeper will be watched closely by the American audience, as each will be eager to come out on top.