Landon Donovan's two player of the year awards in Major League Soccer and the US national team are well-deserved rewards for an outstanding season on both fronts this year. His previous Honda Player of the Year honors were too often awarded by either default or his media standing. I think this year's award is deserved this time. I have been critical of his play in the past, but more out of frustration with an immensely talented player's inconsistent performances in high-pressure situations, reluctance to take on a leadership role, or unwillingness to establish himself at the highest levels of world soccer (read: Europe). I know that he has had a reputation of being sort of an anointed one in US soccer, which makes him a natural target for criticism, but I'll never call him "Landy Cakes" or approve of anyone else who does.
But this season, he has performed better on a more consistent basis with the US national team during the Hexagonal and the Confederations Cup. He had a great Confederations Cup, some excellent performances in the second half of the Hexagonal (with the possible exception of the away match against Mexico), and he has been a key player in the Galaxy's resurgence this season. Whether it is the guidance of Bruce Arena, the assistance of David Beckham, or the recognition that the fortunes of his club and national teams fall on his shoulders, Donovan appears to have figured it out this season. Here's hoping he continues to figure it out next year in South Africa.
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