Landon Donovan made 22 appearances for Everton under David Moyes.
The American signed for the Toffees on loan from LA Galaxy twice – firstly in 2010 and then in 2012 – during the gap between Major League Soccer seasons, becoming a fan favourite at Everton thanks to his impressive displays.
Whilst working under David Moyes on Merseyside, Donovan was able to witness a “crazy” managerial trait of the Glaswegian’s which still impresses him to this day.
Will TFG have to move away from Moyes to achieve their recruitment model? 😬
Dan Friedkin.
Landon Donovan says David Moyes is “elite” at making late tactical changes
The American – who has managed both San Diego Loyal and San Diego Wave since hanging up his boots – told GOAL that he was always impressed by how quickly Moyes was able to make small changes after seeing the opposition lineup.
Donovan said: “The question always is, do we stick to what we are and what we do and just try to be good at it, or do we try to counter what they’re doing and figure out how we’re going to tactically change. I was never good at that.
“David Moyes is elite at that. When he gets the team sheet in 20 minutes before the game he’d say, okay guys, come in. Phil (Neville) – you’re going to start a little bit (closer to) here. Landon, you’re going to do this. In the moment you’re like (this is) crazy, but he had players who were used to it and could handle it.”
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You don’t reach 1,187 games in football management – 747 of which have come in the Premier League – without being adaptive like Moyes is.
The 62-year-old has coached through several eras of the sport, from the days of direct football led by Tony Pulis at Stoke, to playing out from the goalkeeper as Pep Guardiola has now made common in England, back to the direct approach we are once again seeing in the Premier League.
Most managers spend all week working on a tactical plan and can often be quite stubborn when it comes to changes, but evidently, those who can successfully implement late tweaks like Moyes are the ones who will last the distance at the highest level of football.
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Everton manager David Moyes on Europe.
If the former Preston boss can guide Everton into Europe this season after years of the Toffees battling relegation under other managers, it may well be the greatest achievement of his managerial career.
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