Scouting Landon Donovan
First off, Landon Donovan is not the typical target forward, but he has more goals than anybody in the history of the US National Team. How? He puts himself in positions to be the difference. Landon knows going in that he's never going to be the biggest player on the field, but that doesn't mean he can't be the best. His speed and vision both on and off the ball give him an advantage that is hard to defend. Add in his skill on either end of set plays, and he's a constant threat.
How To Be Like Landon
Vision. Though it can be hard to see on television, look at where Landon enters the picture with his attacking runs. He doesn't cause a lot of offside calls, timing where he is and relying on his teammates to get the ball to him. He doesn't obsess over 1v1 battles, and will adjust his game when necessary.
For a young player, this means knowing the other players on your team.
What are they likely to do under pressure?
Where are they passing the ball?
Where should you be?
Watch a lot of soccer in person and on television. See who is the Landon Donovan type player on a team, and watch what he or she does over the course of the game.
