Sir Landon Of Donovan

[chriswho]

Today showed why signing a attacking player will not be the best option for the club.

When Gibson came off, we lost our shape.

Today's game (villa) did slightly temper my enthusiasm for Donovan, but for different reasons. Don't get me wrong, I still really want him in blue, but I was impressed with Naismith. The announcers even mentioned at one point how pienaar, Naismith, and Osman were all switching and playing all ove the place.

Donovan is another player like these 3. They offer lots of skill, class, and composure on the ball. They exude effort, can pick a pass, and are not afraid to shoot. Osman can play on the wing but we all know his best games are when he roams the middle. Pienaar and donovan are the most talenteed of the 4, and can play well at multiple positions.

Having 3 in the lineup at one time can be a real nuisance for the other team. Bringing LD in will only be building depth for this role, likely moving Naismith to he bench.

We are a thin squad, I'm all for building up the bench, but the price must be right (something I've said all along). If Naismith continues to impress and all stay healthy, Landon may prove to be more luxury than necessity this season. what I really like is that with the 3 healthy, moyes has some options, and bringing in a fourth only expands those options though.

 

[chriswho]

I also feel I should address the other part of that quote too. When Gibson came off, our defense did weaken. With Fellaini embracing a more offensive role and rodwell gone, our DM depth did weaken. Heitinga and Neville should both be able to handle being gibson's backup. I know it isn't best position for either, but I don't think we have a glaring need here either. I would rather us continue to push forward. I would much rather win 3-1 than tie 0-0. We finally have a squad that can put the ball in the net AND defend, let's enjoy it.

 

[Number_25]

oooor it might also have something to do with them getting a lucky goal.

Or it may have something to do with the fact that when he came off, we lost all of our shape in the middle of the park.

 

[Norwegian Cow]

Or it may have something to do with the fact that when he came off, we lost all of our shape in the middle of the park.

oooor it might also have something to do with them getting a lucky goal.

 

[Allezfan]

oooor it might also have something to do with them getting a lucky goal.

They didn't even have a shot on goal with Gibson on the pitch. And then with him off, they managed to hit the post, score and force howard to make several saves despite having ten men.

 

[Allezfan]

They didn't even have a shot on goal with Gibson on the pitch. And then with him off, they managed to hit the post, score and force howard to make several saves despite having ten men.

That's what happens when you line up without a defensive midfielder and your attackers all take their foot off the gas like. On paper a Kev, Coleman, Osman, Fellaini and Pienaar midfield looks boss but without Gibson there to protect our back four it left us open. I still think two DMs is overkill but one is vital.

 

[TX Bill]

Wow , bit strong txbill..... people are entitled to have opinions. Just because they are not the same as your's it's no ground to tell somebody not to comment.

They are entitled to have opinions based on facts. His wasn't. I corrected him.

 

[TX Bill]

Can you explain Michael Owen ?

Ummmm...injuries.

 

[TX Bill]

Somebody who watched Cahill turn from a teror to a dead weight in less then two years, perhaps.

There is a big big difference between losing your form and simply not being able to play due to loss of skill.

 

[Allezfan]

There is a big big difference between losing your form and simply not being able to play due to loss of skill.

I'm not sure I understand that, mate. Could you explain it in smaller words please.

(No sarcasm. I'm honestly confused.)

 

[TX Bill]

Not sure if Landon could get into our team right now anyway. We're unstoppable!

I don't disagree with that.

Perhaps for Naismith with Osman staying in the middle but overall, you don't change a winning formula.

 

[TX Bill]

I'm not sure I understand that, mate. Could you explain it in smaller words please.

(No sarcasm. I'm honestly confused.)

Form is temporary. It just wasn't happening for Tim here. I don't think he lost any of his skill at all. That said, it was an opportunity for us to make changes and move him on.

 

[jceverton]

I understand the point people are making about age but i think its being laboured a bit ot much, i dont remember it being such an issue when we signed Pienaar and if anything the Don will have more of a resale value as he is an established player in the states - so we have a ready made buyers market. Look at the Cahill situation we paid about 2.5 mill to Millwall and after nearly a decade of service we got two million for him from the MLS.

I think he point of age and resale is being laboured to much in this case, plus he has played MLS which tends not to be taxing physically given the length and intensity of their league season.

Interesting:

Landons date of birth is the 4th of March 1982

Piennars date of birth is the 17th of March 1982

I agree with you on this and I was thinking the same myself about the number of games/intensity of those games that he will have played at his age.
I think he will strengthen the team and the squad plus we know that he can come in straight away and fit in. If the fee is right we should sign him plus lets get another forward to cover for Jelavic.

 

[Allezfan]

Form is temporary. It just wasn't happening for Tim here. I don't think he lost any of his skill at all. That said, it was an opportunity for us to make changes and move him on.

I would disagree there. I think Cahill lost a lot of his aerial ability. He's just not the same player he was when younger but few attacking players are once they reach 30. People do get worse with age.

 

[TX Bill]

I would disagree there. I think Cahill lost a lot of his aerial ability. He's just not the same player he was when younger but few attacking players are once they reach 30. People do get worse with age.

They do. That's true.

Too many on here though making the assumption (while not watching him play) that the same has happened to Landon.

I can assure them that it hasn't.