You really want to know how good Donovan is, and how important he is to the USMNT going forward in attack? Just go watch a replay of that first half. I’m always amazed at how little offensive capabilities the US seems to have. Some games are obviously worse than others, but overall… very little in the final third of the pitch. Not saying that if Landon was playing we’d be winning because England just that much better of players, but just for all the Donovan haters, hopefully it’s crystal clear how big of a cog he is for the team.
I’m trying not to get too down on the US. Becuase I do this every friendly. I get so pissed at the US and their play that I forget that it is indeed “just a friendly”. But honestly, that first half was pretty much garbage from the United States. England looked a class above anything the U.S. wanted to do, which is understandable on a certain level but still.
Gerrard was the best player on the pitch in the first half and it was clear to see. I thought Rooney, Lampard and Beckham also played pretty well.
And for the damn record: I don’t need to see anymore, don’t need more time to prove anything; Eddie Johnson is worthless. And everything Bradley puts him in the starting eleven, the U.S. for all intensive purposes will be a man down to the competition.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy for JT, but the absolute laugh-ability of the U.S. going forward that first half was ridiculous.
Full strength against Spain & Argentina is a must, or we’ll lose by double digits in both matches. Okay, I might be acting a little over dramatic. But I can’t help it. I know the gap between the two countries footballing wise is significant, I was just expecting SOMETHING. Maybe the second half will bring it.