The Mail Bag
Post Landon
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Assuming that lack of money is a reason why Landon returns to the MLS, the question is... What then?
If lack of money stops us from keeping Landon, the same reason would stop us from signing someone of the same calibre. Unless of course DM already has another low cost star under wraps.
My guess is that we would replace Landon with one of our own youngsters, but which one? If it came down to like for like, who could match or even go close to Donovan for speed, determination, strength in the tackle, crossing ability and positional play?
I know he has more than those attributes in his locker but they are the least a genuine replacement would need. My location limits my knowledge of who on our books could fill Landons shoes. Of those I have seen on the telly only Coleman goes close.
Home based fans may be better informed and could say who if anyone yet to be seen is worthy of a try out?
Dick Fearon, Posted 22/02/2010 at 20:28:48
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As to this season, there is no doubt that Donovan has totally cahnged the way we can play. his speed alone allows us to push the opposition defense back giving the midfield more time and space on the ball, Fellaini and now Osman are revelling in this.
I think if we keep it up we can still have a serious push at 4th, we only have spurs city and villa to play who would be considered tough games, maybe birmingham too, but we can win most if not all of those. But the Donovan factor could be crucial.
I hope we can arrange to keep him for the remainder of the season, but we have no way of knowing this possibility, its all speculation and hearsay.
What can we do without him?
Coleman is one possibility. Pace alone has made Donovans impact so great. But he also makes intelligent runs, shows strength on the ball and has suprised me with his mean crosses. Can Coleman reproduce that? Also weve seen many a full-back fail when pushed further up the field.
Anichebe is another. He looked ok there before his injury. He is blessed with pace and strength, but his workrate is questionable as his his first touch, skill and crossing ability.
Gosling. As well as his goal, and he seems to have a knack for scoring, his performance on Saturday took my by suprise. He looked very good, but is aint lightening quick, and can he do it for 90 minutes? can he do it for 10 games?
other than that its same old, either Ossie, Bily or Pienaar, none quite with the pace we need, and by playing them there taking away/weakening other areas.
The other option is 4-4-2 with Yak and Saha. But again, we would lack pace.
Its worrying to think we’ll lose him, like a summer holiday girlfriend he seems perfect and everything we will ever need. Hopefully we can keep him, with him we can finish 4/5th and win the europa, without 6/7th at best.
He seems to be an honourable man, as is Moyes, and this could be our problem in keeping him. I’ve no doubt that the ’appy ’arries of this world wouldn’t let ethics stand in their way, but that’s part of the DM package, and I’m ’appy with that.
Bet you he stays.
If he stays for the rest of the season its because the loan agreement has been extended.
Why not give Coleman a run in that position assuming that DM does not play Peanuts there.
Like you, I am aching to see Coleman playing for us. But unless they have been tutoring him in that role at Finch Farm for six weeks or more, in full match practice, it isn’t going to happen. Except in emergency, off the bench. But not as team choice in any game I can imagine this season. (He did very well in his only start against BATE).
Pace - skill - brain. Hard to find.
Just to add a wild card - what if you put Rodwell upfield? Height, strength, brain. A handful for any defence.
A terrible temptation to play ’deep crosses’ (aka to TWebbers as ’hoofball’) could result.
I bet it would cause the Portuguese to soil their trousers next Thursday. Not going to happen, but I’ve only just thought of it.
Oh and Hibbo will force his way back in and we’ll claim a CL place with Bainsie Rodders and Leo all playing a major part.
Imagine marching into Hamburg with half a dozen local boys amongst our ranks ?
Sweet dreams are made of this
The Donovan issue will have more or less twists after this Sunday.
If we knock out Sporting, which to me is probable, and then beat Spurs we will have lots to play for – this will generate the additional cash and additionally give us a good cause to go the MLS and try to restructure Donovan’s loan deal. However, getting knocked out by Sporting and then losing at spurs will mean our season is all but over; no chance of 4th – even next season’s Europa league qualification of 5th, 6th and maybe 7th will be a massive ask.
CMs: Osman, Arteta
Ws: Pienaar, Bilyaletdinov
The midfield doesn’t have quite the same bite, and is extremely thin, but (if healthy) the squad should be able to hold its own.
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1 Posted 23/02/2010 at 20:47:36
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I don’t think we have anyone with the attributes of Donovan, including reserves coming through.
I think Moyes knew he needed a Donovan type player and thats why I think he tried Anichebe out wide before his injury.
For sure he knows what he needs and if he didn’t, after seeing the impact Donovan has had on the team it will make him more determined to find someone who can do something similar.
No doubt he’s looking around and will hopefully find someone. We can name names all we like but inveriably Moyes will unearth someone we’ve never mentioned or thought of