For those of you who haven’t noticed or been notified by your phone, Landon Donovan has announced that he will retire after this MLS season. I thought to let this one sit in my brain before putting thoughts on a computer screen, but I figured this time I would just let the twitter-induced juices flow. I’ve stopped balling my eyes out, so here goes nothing.
Landon Donovan Retires, What’s Next for the LA Galaxy?
I am extremely torn and emotional about this announcement from my favorite soccer player of all time. Most fans are, even Bruce Arena. I’ve loved watching him play for club and country. I’ve followed his journey. I was swept off my feet against Algeria and in 4 MLS Cups. I was heart broken when he was cut from the World Cup squad and relieved when he scored #135 that weekend. He’s the greatest American of all-time, American Soccer’s Prodigal Son, and he doesn’t have to prove anything more to anyone. Thank you for the memories, Landon Donovan. Part of why I love sports is the story line, and I have drawn so munch insight to my own personal narrative in watching you play. You’re a philosophical quote machine and a class act. MLS and the LA Galaxy will not be the same without you.
But the journey doesn’t end here. Donovan has had several stints as an analyst. He has expressed interest in being a member of the media. He could be the calm and insightful voice of reason on ESPN with Lalas and Twellman. I’m sure FOX Soccer would take him in a heart beat. While I think he has better potential, I know he will always have a seat next to Cobi Jones and Joe Tutino on Galaxy broadcasts. He is articulate and capable of being more than just another player who retired and went into broadcasting.
In the LA Galaxy press conference, Donovan said that he really wanted to work with kids. I don’t know that I see the inner coach gene when he plays, but he has potential. The Galaxy could easily groom him in house as an academy coach. He could stay in the youth ranks if he wishes or move up as he gets more experienced. I personally see him more as a development coach than an MLS head coach or a GM long term.
Regardless of what path Donovan takes, he made it clear he will stay committed to growing soccer in America. He will be an ambassador for the Galaxy, MLS, and the USMNT. He has options, and there’s no reason why he can’t do a bit of everything (media, coaching, charity, etc.). Donovan has much still he can contribute off the field and I’m sure he’ll own it.
Now, what does this mean for Bruce and company? They now have an open DP slot for the January transfer window and more than $4 million that had been allocated to Donovan for each of the next two years is now free. Part of why this decision was announced so early was because Landon wanted to give LA time to plan. The Galaxy are one of the best in MLS when it comes to finding and choosing DP players. They’ve yet to misfire on a signing.
With Donovan’s retirement and Zardes’s improvement, I think it’s safe to assume Keane-Zardes up top is Bruce’s plan until Keane retires. As I’ve argued before, the next immediate DP worthy addition should come in midfield. If Jermaine Jones doesn’t move by the end of the current transfer window, there’s a serious possibility he makes the move in the MLS off season. Jones could easily play a Sarvas-like role in the Galaxy’s scheme. And he already has a house in LA.
Sacha Kljestan would be more likely to happen in as well, but he wouldn’t be as big of a move. If Kljestan were to come to LA, it would be as the smaller of two off season DP signings. That isn’t going to happen unless Omar Gonzalez leaves.
Mix Diskerud did just turn down a reportedly huge deal from Columbus. Maybe he wanted to play for a more likely winner or wanted more money? LA fits both of those. While Mix would not provide the width Donovan does, he can operate as a central play maker.
Second to a center midfielder who can either play box-to-box or act as the play maker, there’s also a need for a wide player. The Galaxy could sign another striker, pair him with Keane, and push Zardes to wide midfield. I think the more likely outcome is getting a true wide playing DP. A Wesley Sneijder type perhaps: run the flanks, whip in lots of crosses, cut inside occasionally and distribute to the strikers. A DP (and uninjured) version of Shea Salinas would be great.
The unknown variable in all this is Omar’s future. If Omar stays for 2015, I think LA just goes for just the central midfielder. Let Keane and Zardes do their thing. Ishizaki has found a nice home on the right and can fill in centrally when needed. Then go out and get a non-DP wide player for LM/depth. Donovan is versatile and brings a unique skill set to LA, but filling in the holes he leaves can be done with multiple moves.
If Omar does leave, that gives the Galaxy more room to play and tweak. This opens up the possibility of signing a center back DP, but more likely Tommy Meyer will get a full time starting position and the third DP will be a striker or wide midfielder. But who knows? The Galaxy could sign a non-DP center back or splash some cash on a Geoff Cameron, who can also play D-mid.
It’s difficult to predict new DP signings outside of USMNT players who want to move to America. So much of signing an international star is dependent upon availability, transfer fee, and potential fit both in MLS and with the club. Nobody does their research and homework like the LA Galaxy. They’ll find someone who will fit in and contribute, and money’s no object.
I still think the most likely outcome is Omar transfers to Europe and LA brings in both a central play maker and wide player, with the center mid being the bigger of the two DP signings.
Someone will take your locker and play the positions you once did, but no one will ever replace you, Landon.
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