Expert Blogs

I trust Landon Donovan has a sense of humour. For his sake he'll need one when he joins Everton on loan in the New Year.

Merseysiders have a razor-sharp wit - it's almost part of their DNA. I lived, worked and played amongst 'Scousers' for five years and it took time to adapt and adjust to their unique sense of humour. It is part of the culture and has to be accepted for what it is.

The American international will need to gel quickly if his short-term move to England is to be more productive than his previous forays into Europe. His brief flirtations with the German Bundesliga, on three previous occasions, have done nothing to enhance his reputation despite a glittering international career.

Linking up with fellow US team-mate Tim Howard will certainly help. The Everton goalkeeper will be a familiar face in unfamiliar surroundings and Donovan will need a confidant, not only in the dressing room, but also in day to day life to make the transition as smooth and slick as possible.

In addition, Donovan, or whatever nickname - and there will be one - his new team-mates come up with, is a wanted man. Manager David Moyes knows the clock will be ticking as soon as Donovan arrives at Goodison Park, but firmly believes he can positively contribute to the team.

There is no doubting Donovan's ability but that, alone, won't sustain him in England. He also needs the correct man-management which Moyes will provide. The Scot is not bothered by his prior European track record - he's more interested in the American's desire and work ethic.

Moyes' own managerial reputation has been built on the ability to get the best out of what he's got. By Premier League standards Everton is not a rich club, yet the team has consistently held its own, perhaps even over-achieved, during his seven year tenure.

Moreover, Donovan must believe in himself and have the confidence to express himself. At his best, the MLS MVP is quick and incisive, two qualities of utmost importance in today's EPL. He knows an army of cynics are waiting for him to fall flat on his face so mental strength will also be a significant factor.

It has already been suggested Donovan's fresh, fat contract with the LA Galaxy shows a lack of ambition. I prefer to think of it in terms of Major League Soccer protecting its prized asset. If, as I expect, he is a good fit at Everton and follows that with a stellar World Cup, there'll be a queue of clubs lining up for his services.

What also fascinates me is that Donovan has no need to do this. Unlike his Galaxy team-mate David Beckham, who is busting a gut to convince Fabio Capello to take him to South Africa, Donovan has been there already and knows, barring injury, he's going back with Team USA in June.

So what does he have to gain by risking his global reputation again? Clearly, playing competitive soccer between January and March will maintain his match fitness while the opportunity to take on EPL quality defenders will sharpen his skills in the build up to the World Cup itself.

Everton has a history of recruiting US impact players and Landon Donovan possesses the quality to follow in the footsteps of Joe-Max Moore and Brian McBride. I'm prepared to believe he's going to the right club, at the right time, in the right frame of mind.

Hopefully, Tim Howard will explain the concept of roundabouts and remind his compatriot to drive on the left.