Americans Abroad

Klinsmann: Donovan Brings Selection Headache

Jürgen Klinsmann was all too happy to admit that the confirmation of Landon Donovan's loan move from LA Galaxy has given an embarrassment of riches up front to Bayern.

Jan 5, 2009 11:51:34 PM

MLS: Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy, Aug 2008 (ISI)

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MLS: Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy, Aug 2008 (ISI)

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Landon Donovan

The 26-year-old American ace has officially arrived in Munich on a borrowed basis until March 8, after which he will be returning to Los Angeles in time for the start of the Major League Soccer season.

Donovan, a five-time US Player of the Year, will be competing for minutes against the likes of Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose, and Lukas Podolski, not to mention the newly acquired Croatian international striker Ivica Olic.

Commenting on Donovan and his ten-week loan, Klinsmann enthused: "The lad's fired up and wants to prove himself, which I find amazing. He's capable of real surprise moments up front.

"He wants to convince the powers that be, myself included, that he's the right player for Bayern. He certainly has the determination.

"We're all excited by him. He'll get playing time, in the friendlies, in the DFB Cup, and in the Bundesliga. He has unbelievable pace and dribbling skill, he looks for the one-on-one situations, and he scores goals."

Donovan will be hoping for the chance to debut for Bayern when they recommence the Bundesliga season away to Hamburger SV on January 30.

--Derek Wanner, Goal.com