Everton FC: Where the Returning Landon Donovan Fits in for the Toffees

Yesterday, Everton’s (so far) forgettable season was given a much needed shot in the arm with news of Landon Donovan's pending return in January. Having first donned an Everton shirt two years ago, also on loan, the American’s full-hearted, energetic displays left many desperate to see him strut his stuff on the Goodison Park turf once again. In January, those Evertonians will get their wish.

Two years ago, with the Toffees loitering around the lower end of the table in January, Donovan's arrival coincided with a huge upturn in form, as Everton swept away many opponents in the new year. During one notable week, David Moyes' side defeated Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United, with Donovan heavily involved in the process.

Despite returning to LA Galaxy, Donovan’s bond with the club has remained, and is often highlighted on Twitter. He often writes encouraging messages following an Everton win and is constantly in conversations with the likes of Phil Neville and Tim Cahill, maintaining a link with the club. His cryptic message of "Once a Toffee, always a Toffee," published early yesterday, sent rumour mongers into full flow about a possible switch, and his words are certain to warm the hearts of every Evertonian.

As well as a morale boost for fans, Donovan's presence will lift the dressing room and, of course, provide some quality on the pitch where Everton need it most. At home, the Toffees have only scored in 43 percent of their matches so far this season and David Moyes has currently seen his side go two matches without even registering a shot on target.

Capable of filling most advanced roles, Donovan is most likely to be deployed wider, where he was seen during his first spell at the club. What was apparent after two minutes of his first Everton debut was his exemplary work rate, attributes that immediately endeared him to David Moyes who constantly demands the highest energy levels from his team. The fact Donovan is as committed tracking back as he is rampaging forward makes him instantly appreciated by fans and teammates alike.

So far this season, Everton have tended to deploy Seamus Coleman on the right of midfield and either Diniyar Bilyaletdinov or Royston Drenthe on the left. It is safe to say there will not be many Evertonians who would select Bilyaletdinov over Donovan, so the decision is more likely to be between Coleman and Drenthe.

Fans would probably be more likely to pine for the Dutchman. Drenthe has been impressive on the field, contributing a number of timely assists and penetrating runs in some cameo appearances, although his recent absence has led to some questioning his off-field attitude and relationship with Moyes.

If any of these rumours have any concrete foundation, then Coleman will surely remain and Donovan may be used ahead of Leighton Baines on the left, but Everton must consider how much production may be improved were he to go from the alternate side.

Baines is by far the Toffees' most creative outlet. Without Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar, the left-back has attracted a lot more attention from opposition this season and by inserting Donovan ahead of him, it makes it easier for opponents to simply narrow and clog up one side of the pitch. Obviously attacking from the other side stretches the threat.

If it is Coleman who is usurped, he would do well to study and attempt to mimic certain facets of Donovan’s game. Still in the primitive stages of his career, the Irishman can be effective making his trademark buccaneering runs down the flank, but when it comes to the final ball, he does not yet expose defences as often as he should. 

A wide duo of Donovan and Drenthe looks heavily upgraded from what fans are currently used to seeing and would require opponents to rethink their strategy, which is so often just to harry Baines. 

What would be even more exciting for Everton fans would be if Seamus Coleman reverted to right-back during Donovan’s loan. Unlikely to happen, given David Moyes’ loyalty to Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville in that position, but it would drastically improve the Toffees' offence and undoubtedly enthuse fans.

A team of Tim Howard; Seamus Coleman, Phil Jagielka, Johnny Heitinga, Leighton Baines; Jack Rodwell, Marouane Fellaini; Landon Donovan, Tim Cahill, Royston Drenthe and Louis Saha up front looks pretty imposing on paper, in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Fellaini would sit in midfield, Rodwell would be able to perform box-to-box duties and Everton would have an intimidating attacking presence on both flanks.

This final combination is sadly unlikely, but Donovan’s arrival hugely augments David Moyes’ attacking options and gives Evertonians an early Christmas gift. Moyes has since stated he hopes to add one or two more signings and with news of Ross Barkley signing a four-and-a-half year deal today, it has been a promising 24 hours for the Toffees.

If you liked this article, follow me on Twitter for more EFC chat

Follow @Matt_Cheetham