It's time for Donovan to return to Europe - Landon Donovan of the San Jose Earthquakes

Soccer Digest, Oct-Nov, 2003 by Scott Plagenhoef

A MOVE TO EUROPE WOULD help the development of a select group of young American--particularly the San Jose Earthquakes' Landon Donovan.

The main argument for Donovan staying in the U.S is to promote the sport and the league. But he can promote from anywhere--more effectively, in fact, if he competes on a global scale. Respect for MLS will likely trickle down once there is more respect for soccer in general in the U.S.

This summer saw an unprecedented amount of soccer coverage in the American media--and none of it to do directly with MLS. David Beckham's transfer and celebrity, Freddy Adu's Nike cash and potential, Manchester United's tour, and Tim Howard's move to that club were well-covered events. When American soccer makes news in the U.S., it's when it engages with the sport internationally. Donovan would likely draw more attention in the U.S. by moving overseas and playing well than by performing in MLS.

Oddly, many American fans can't stomach MLS stars leaving to Europe for greener pastures, falling into the same imp of American exceptionalism often used by the U.S. media to meet at the game. There is no shame in admitting that MLS is, at best, a feeder league. That's the case in more than 170 other nations in the world--including recent World Cup winners such as Brazil, France, and Argentina. In South America, Africa, Holland, France, Portugal, and elsewhere, youngsters are happy to leave for top leagues, When they do, nobody questions their patriotism or whether a domestic league will suffer. I can't think of a single young player of comparable age and skill level to Donovan who is happy playing in a mediocre league. Most dart to Spain, Italy, England, or Germany given the chance.

Would Donovan be a guaranteed starter in a top league? Of course not, Like others, he'd need to earn a spot--a competition flint, along with the level of scrutiny that accompanies playing in a soccer-mad nation, improves mental strength and professionalism and makes it difficult for a player to become lazy or complacent. Donovan needs to be confident that he can prove his worth against the world's best.

The U.S.'s World Cup success does not mean its league is top class. If you consider the talents of the four MLS players who started the U.S.'s quarterfinals match, the league looks great. Compare the average MLSer to the average player in most rely top league around the world, and things are a bit different. Donovan is the best U.S. player in MLS. There's no shame in his moving to Italy or Spain and, at first, being nowhere near the best player in those leagues. He'd be better off in the long run.