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Well…this might be awkward. Former U.S. Men’s National Team star Landon Donovan joined ESPN’s studio analyst team at the 2014 World Cup, and will contribute from ESPN’s studio in Los Angeles during the month-long tournament. However, it looks like Landon has already moved on and is ready to work during the World Cup:
The all-time U.S. leader in both goals and assists will have to work around his schedule with the Los Angeles Galaxy, but Donovan made his debut yesterday on ESPN’s two-hour FIFA World Cup preview show. This comes about three weeks after being cut by coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
“Adding Landon to our ESPN roster just before the World Cup is a coup because he knows the United States team better than anyone, having played such a huge role in its success, especially at this event,” said ESPN senior vice president and executive producer Jed Drake. ”Landon is also one of this country's biggest sports stars and we believe that he will help attract even more fans to our month-long coverage.”
Obviously, the major question is how well Landon will be able to provide insight on the game and players. Will he have a problem grilling Michael Bradley or any of the guys he was playing with just three weeks ago? What about criticizing Jurgen on tactical moves?
Of course, there will be awkwardness whenever Landon makes critical remarks, but fans will need to get over it. We expect Landon is going to say what he sees. He didn’t join the crew so he could go on national television and take jabs at Jurgen Klinsmann. In the18's opinion, he’ll be honest and will speak his mind, and (let's be honest) it won’t be that hard to be as good as Alexi Lalas.
"I am excited to be joining ESPN’s coverage of the 2014 World Cup from Los Angeles, and I look forward to working with the talented ESPN broadcasters to provide unique insights for our amazing US Soccer fans," Donovan said in the press release.
The USMNT has moved on from Landon Donovan and, whether he has moved on, only time will tell. But if you take Landon’s words at face value, it should be a win-win having him on the ESPN broadcast team.
