Bradley: Donovan switch can be key

Bradley: Donovan switch can be key

Published Jan. 21, 2010 2:40 a.m. ET

Landon Donovan's loan switch to Everton could aid USA when they tackle England in this summer's mouthwatering World Cup showdown.

USA coach Bob Bradley believes the forward's spell at Goodison Park from LA Galaxy will benefit his side when they come up against Fabio Capello's men.

The two will go head-to-head in South Africa on 12 June in Group C, which also features Algeria and Slovenia. Bradley has been impressed with his captain's contribution in Everton's impressive draw away to Arsenal and the 2-0 home victory over Manchester City on Saturday.

"Landon has had an opportunity to make a big difference and he has played a huge role for Everton in their past couple of games.

It is great for him and great for the club," he said.

"This is not only good for him, but it works really well for us leading up to the World Cup. He is such an influential player for us, and for him to be in this kind of situation at Everton, playing in England, is key.

"He has gone to Everton and been part of two really good efforts. When you play for a team like Everton, and Landon is experiencing this now - we talk about it a lot in our team - what a good feeling it is when everyone on the team is committed and understands what it takes to win a game."

Bradley believes the added spotlight from playing in the Premier League will help Donovan deal with the inevitable hype and expectation which will surround their meeting with the Three Lions.

He added: "It will help him specifically regarding the World Cup. Any time you go into games where a lot is expected, there is the accountability side of things where people are looking closely at everything you do.

"When you play well, when you work hard, when the team plays well, you get credit, but if it goes the other way then people will notice that too and I think that is important for him.

"Landon has shown in the last year a great level of maturity and confidence and motivation to continue to move himself along. He has talked about how he sees things differently, how he has changed.

"I think most importantly when you hear him talk like that it is easy to see that he feels good on the inside about the way he has played, some of the challenges he has faced and the way he has improved, or grown is maybe the better word."

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