Donovan won't be missed in Brazil
ESPN INSIDER
The exclusion of Landon Donovan from U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann's 23-man World Cup roster Thursday sent shock waves across the U.S. and around the world. Donovan, the USMNT's all-time leading scorer and assist leader, was expected by most to not only be in Brazil, but to play a major role in what would have been his fourth World Cup.
Instead, Donovan has transitioned from primary attacking option and U.S. team leader to roster casualty within a four-year span, and in his place is, in large part, a group of hungry yet internationally unproven players.
Now that the 13-time MLS All-Star won't be suiting up for the Americans, who will fill his role on the team? Are they a better roster fit than Donovan at this stage of his career? Moreover, will he be missed in Brazil? Not especially.
The current version of Donovan was trapped between two possible positions, attacking midfielder and supporting forward, on Klinsmann's 30-man roster. And based on the roles that Donovan likely could have filled in Brazil, along with the depth of the final roster, it appears the United States will not suffer a significant on-field loss without the 32-year-old, who admittedly was struggling to get in shape and find his form.
Here's a closer look at both positions and their outlook sans Donovan.
Attacking midfielder
Although the preliminary roster indicated Donovan would be evaluated as a forward in camp, he has often played an attacking midfield role for Team USA during his tenure. Specifically in the 2010 World Cup, Donovan spent most of his time in an established role creating problems for opponents down the right side. This is a role that Donovan could have potentially reprised given his positioning through 2014 World Cup qualifying, as he demonstrated an ability to play on either the left or right side of the field.
Heat map of Landon Donovan's touches during 2010 World Cup, left, and those from 2014 World Cup qualifying play, right.
With Donovan out of the picture, these attacking roles are now in the hands of players like Alejandro Bedoya, Brad Davis and Graham Zusi, as the U.S. attempts to advance out of a stacked Group G.
Bedoya has not been seen by the public as much as other members of the U.S. team, but his Ligue 1 experience as an attacking midfielder with Nantes this season illustrated that he is an impact player who can carve out a significant role on the U.S. roster. Bedoya started 23 games in Ligue 1 throughout 2013-14, and ranked third on the team with five goals as he assisted in pulling the newly promoted club to a 13th-place finish in France's top flight. The midfielder also ranked fourth on the team with 18 completed attacking-half passes per 90 minutes, and while playing primarily on the right side he was able to create a chance in each of his three World Cup qualifying appearances for the U.S.. His inclusion gives the U.S a creative playmaker who can spark the attack.
Another player aiming to fill Donovan's role as an attacking midfielder is Davis, who ranked second on the U.S. with 3.0 take-ons per 90 minutes throughout World Cup qualifying (minimum four appearances), while providing two assists from crosses throughout the qualifying campaign. Davis has also been responsible for leading the Houston Dynamo attack, and the midfielder currently ranks eighth in MLS with 24 total chances created in the 2014 season. While it's tough to argue his inclusion on the roster over Donovan, Davis gives the U.S. a veteran, in-form winger who can put in accurate crosses and help manufacture the attack.
The most decorated player of this group is Sporting KC midfielder Zusi, who was one of just three U.S. players to feature in nine (or more) of the 10 hexagonal World Cup qualifying games. Zusi ranked third on the U.S. with 22.1 completed passes in the attacking half throughout World Cup qualifying, and similar to Davis, the KC All-Star's 27 chances created are a sign that Zusi can take responsibility for leading his club's attack. Zusi's ability to score goals and serve as a two-way player will be a valuable asset in Brazil.
Of course, none of these names measure up in recognition to the reputation that Donovan has earned, however, both Davis and Zusi currently rank in the top 10 of MLS players in chances created so far this season, and on the left side Davis in particular has created four more total chances this season despite playing fewer minutes than Donovan. Both Davis and Zusi are also tied for second in MLS with 15 chances created from crosses -- an added plus when applying for a wide position -- while Donovan has created just eight chances from crosses so far. Granted, Donovan plays as a striker for the Los Angeles Galaxy and thus is not in a position to cross the ball as often, but given that he has lost a step and has declined in take-ons per 90 minutes this season, a superior crossing rate would have been nice to fit either of the wide roles in Klinsmann's lineup.
Meanwhile, the five goals Bedoya recorded for Nantes trump the recent scoring slump that Donovan is in with the Galaxy, and given Klinsmann's open preference toward players getting regular playing time at the highest level possible -- and those who are in form -- there is potential for Bedoya to provide even more cover for Donovan's absence in the attack.
Supporting forward
Given that Donovan was unlikely to be considered a lone striker in the 4-2-3-1 formation that Klinsmann used throughout qualifying, in hindsight perhaps more flags should have been raised about Donovan's label as a forward on the 30-man roster. And although Klinsmann has shown a willingness to play with two strikers, as he did in the recent friendly against Mexico, Donovan's benching in that game provided further clues about his future exclusion from the team.
Meanwhile, Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore maintains his status at the top of the depth chart if Klinsmann chooses to play a 4-2-3-1 formation. Despite just one goal in 31 appearances for his club, the striker scored four goals throughout World Cup qualifying and appears to be a more confident player when surrounded by the camaraderie of the U.S. team.
U.S. captain Clint Dempsey led the team in World Cup qualifying with five goals, and his eight goals in nine domestic appearances with the Seattle Sounders currently ranks second across MLS. Just as important is the fact that Dempsey also led Team USA through World Cup qualifying with 2.7 take-ons per 90 minutes (minimum five appearances) and shot attempts, as the team will need players in the attack who can create opportunities from individual play.
San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski gained momentum with the U.S. over the past year, and given that Klinsmann prematurely chose his 23-man roster ahead of the June 2 deadline, the five goals Wondolowski scored before leaving the for pre-World Cup camp likely helped secure a roster spot. Wondolowski appears to be a more efficient striker, putting 47 percent of his shots on target so far this season compared to just 41 percent in the 2013 MLS campaign, and his 13 shots on target from inside the penalty area (second most in MLS) suggest that there is some real value to having him on the team.
Finally, AZ Alkmaar striker Aron Johannsson ranked third in the Dutch Eredivisie in the 2013-14 season with 17 goals, and given his moderate-to-strong performances so far with the U.S., it is not surprising to see him included. While it appears that Johannsson has fallen out of favor as a potential lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the 23-year-old appears to be versatile enough to also play as a second striker, or even potentially out wide under the right circumstances.
Compared with these players, the fact that Donovan is yet to score in seven MLS appearances with the Galaxy this season begins to stand out. Unfortunately, Donovan is not an ideal fit for a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 -- which immediately makes an equally slumping Altidore a more versatile choice -- while he is also yet to score in a dual-striker formation with his club.
Impact substitute, outlook
There was of course the potential of Donovan at least being an impact substitute for the U.S., but given his current level, it is completely conceivable that Donovan's reduced overall impact is not enough to overcome the upside Klinsmann sees from players like Fabian Johnson, Mix Diskerud and even Julian Green.
This is not to say that Klinsmann necessarily made the right decision in leaving Donovan off the 23-man roster, but it is definitively saying that the team will not suffer a significant loss without Donovan's services this summer.
Donovan's absence provides opportunities for new players to step up, along with an opportunity for the United States to forge a new identity without arguably the most iconic figure in its history.
ESPN INSIDER
The exclusion of Landon Donovan from U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann's 23-man World Cup roster Thursday sent shock waves across the U.S. and around the world. Donovan, the USMNT's all-time leading scorer and assist leader, was expected by most to not only be in Brazil, but to play a major role in what would have been his fourth World Cup.
Instead, Donovan has transitioned from primary attacking option and U.S. team leader to roster casualty within a four-year span, and in his place is, in large part, a group of hungry yet internationally unproven players.
Now that the 13-time MLS All-Star won't be suiting up for the Americans, who will fill his role on the team? Are they a better roster fit than Donovan at this stage of his career? Moreover, will he be missed in Brazil? Not especially.
The current version of Donovan was trapped between two possible positions, attacking midfielder and supporting forward, on Klinsmann's 30-man roster. And based on the roles that Donovan likely could have filled in Brazil, along with the depth of the final roster, it appears the United States will not suffer a significant on-field loss without the 32-year-old, who admittedly was struggling to get in shape and find his form.
Here's a closer look at both positions and their outlook sans Donovan.
Attacking midfielder
Although the preliminary roster indicated Donovan would be evaluated as a forward in camp, he has often played an attacking midfield role for Team USA during his tenure. Specifically in the 2010 World Cup, Donovan spent most of his time in an established role creating problems for opponents down the right side. This is a role that Donovan could have potentially reprised given his positioning through 2014 World Cup qualifying, as he demonstrated an ability to play on either the left or right side of the field.
Heat map of Landon Donovan's touches during 2010 World Cup, left, and those from 2014 World Cup qualifying play, right.
With Donovan out of the picture, these attacking roles are now in the hands of players like Alejandro Bedoya, Brad Davis and Graham Zusi, as the U.S. attempts to advance out of a stacked Group G.
Bedoya has not been seen by the public as much as other members of the U.S. team, but his Ligue 1 experience as an attacking midfielder with Nantes this season illustrated that he is an impact player who can carve out a significant role on the U.S. roster. Bedoya started 23 games in Ligue 1 throughout 2013-14, and ranked third on the team with five goals as he assisted in pulling the newly promoted club to a 13th-place finish in France's top flight. The midfielder also ranked fourth on the team with 18 completed attacking-half passes per 90 minutes, and while playing primarily on the right side he was able to create a chance in each of his three World Cup qualifying appearances for the U.S.. His inclusion gives the U.S a creative playmaker who can spark the attack.
Another player aiming to fill Donovan's role as an attacking midfielder is Davis, who ranked second on the U.S. with 3.0 take-ons per 90 minutes throughout World Cup qualifying (minimum four appearances), while providing two assists from crosses throughout the qualifying campaign. Davis has also been responsible for leading the Houston Dynamo attack, and the midfielder currently ranks eighth in MLS with 24 total chances created in the 2014 season. While it's tough to argue his inclusion on the roster over Donovan, Davis gives the U.S. a veteran, in-form winger who can put in accurate crosses and help manufacture the attack.
The most decorated player of this group is Sporting KC midfielder Zusi, who was one of just three U.S. players to feature in nine (or more) of the 10 hexagonal World Cup qualifying games. Zusi ranked third on the U.S. with 22.1 completed passes in the attacking half throughout World Cup qualifying, and similar to Davis, the KC All-Star's 27 chances created are a sign that Zusi can take responsibility for leading his club's attack. Zusi's ability to score goals and serve as a two-way player will be a valuable asset in Brazil.
Of course, none of these names measure up in recognition to the reputation that Donovan has earned, however, both Davis and Zusi currently rank in the top 10 of MLS players in chances created so far this season, and on the left side Davis in particular has created four more total chances this season despite playing fewer minutes than Donovan. Both Davis and Zusi are also tied for second in MLS with 15 chances created from crosses -- an added plus when applying for a wide position -- while Donovan has created just eight chances from crosses so far. Granted, Donovan plays as a striker for the Los Angeles Galaxy and thus is not in a position to cross the ball as often, but given that he has lost a step and has declined in take-ons per 90 minutes this season, a superior crossing rate would have been nice to fit either of the wide roles in Klinsmann's lineup.
Meanwhile, the five goals Bedoya recorded for Nantes trump the recent scoring slump that Donovan is in with the Galaxy, and given Klinsmann's open preference toward players getting regular playing time at the highest level possible -- and those who are in form -- there is potential for Bedoya to provide even more cover for Donovan's absence in the attack.
Supporting forward
Given that Donovan was unlikely to be considered a lone striker in the 4-2-3-1 formation that Klinsmann used throughout qualifying, in hindsight perhaps more flags should have been raised about Donovan's label as a forward on the 30-man roster. And although Klinsmann has shown a willingness to play with two strikers, as he did in the recent friendly against Mexico, Donovan's benching in that game provided further clues about his future exclusion from the team.
Meanwhile, Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore maintains his status at the top of the depth chart if Klinsmann chooses to play a 4-2-3-1 formation. Despite just one goal in 31 appearances for his club, the striker scored four goals throughout World Cup qualifying and appears to be a more confident player when surrounded by the camaraderie of the U.S. team.
U.S. captain Clint Dempsey led the team in World Cup qualifying with five goals, and his eight goals in nine domestic appearances with the Seattle Sounders currently ranks second across MLS. Just as important is the fact that Dempsey also led Team USA through World Cup qualifying with 2.7 take-ons per 90 minutes (minimum five appearances) and shot attempts, as the team will need players in the attack who can create opportunities from individual play.
San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski gained momentum with the U.S. over the past year, and given that Klinsmann prematurely chose his 23-man roster ahead of the June 2 deadline, the five goals Wondolowski scored before leaving the for pre-World Cup camp likely helped secure a roster spot. Wondolowski appears to be a more efficient striker, putting 47 percent of his shots on target so far this season compared to just 41 percent in the 2013 MLS campaign, and his 13 shots on target from inside the penalty area (second most in MLS) suggest that there is some real value to having him on the team.
Finally, AZ Alkmaar striker Aron Johannsson ranked third in the Dutch Eredivisie in the 2013-14 season with 17 goals, and given his moderate-to-strong performances so far with the U.S., it is not surprising to see him included. While it appears that Johannsson has fallen out of favor as a potential lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the 23-year-old appears to be versatile enough to also play as a second striker, or even potentially out wide under the right circumstances.
Compared with these players, the fact that Donovan is yet to score in seven MLS appearances with the Galaxy this season begins to stand out. Unfortunately, Donovan is not an ideal fit for a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 -- which immediately makes an equally slumping Altidore a more versatile choice -- while he is also yet to score in a dual-striker formation with his club.
Impact substitute, outlook
There was of course the potential of Donovan at least being an impact substitute for the U.S., but given his current level, it is completely conceivable that Donovan's reduced overall impact is not enough to overcome the upside Klinsmann sees from players like Fabian Johnson, Mix Diskerud and even Julian Green.
This is not to say that Klinsmann necessarily made the right decision in leaving Donovan off the 23-man roster, but it is definitively saying that the team will not suffer a significant loss without Donovan's services this summer.
Donovan's absence provides opportunities for new players to step up, along with an opportunity for the United States to forge a new identity without arguably the most iconic figure in its history.
