What a Messi

To see how the U.S. needs Landon Donovan to play, take a look at Lionel Messi of Argentina. He is a young, energetic striker that is unafraid to take on defenders and able to create chances for others.

One talent opens up the other. Messi’s ball skills force defenders, who are wary of getting beat, to reduce their pressure on him. That opens up passing lanes and lets Messi play balls into space. Unlike Donovan’s passing this World Cup, Messi’s has been spot on and unpredictable, like the one-touch pass he played to Tevez on top of the box against Mexico (played to the perfect spot had Tevez kept his footing).

Riquelme drove the Argentina attack until the 84th minute. But upon Messi’s entrance, the Argentina attack shifted and ran through him. The United States, now without a legitimate creative midfield, would be wise to adopt such an attack with Donovan playing the role of Messi. Messi showed us it can work, but Donovan will still have to move the ball about the park with greater accuracy and purpose than he showed these past three games.