Moyes praises loan star Donovan

15 January 2012 15:46

Everton manager David Moyes has praised on-loan Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan for making an instant contribution on his return to the Merseysiders.

Moyes pinpointed him as the man of the match in his side's 1-1 draw at Villa Park, where the USA international was energetic and creative throughout, setting up Victor Anichebe's equaliser which cancelled out Darren Bent's opener.

Moyes said: "Robbie Keane and Thierry Henry have come back to the Premier League from America and they need a bit of time to settle because of having a break since the end of the MLS. But Landon has come in and played three or four 90 minute games already on the bounce since he arrived and that says a lot."

He added: "It's a testament to the professional he is. He was the best player on the pitch at Villa.

"His work rate was terrific. I played him on the right, left, then down the middle because he was the one who looked as if he had the energy.

"We've never had the chance to take him off in games because we need him so much with his running and the quality he has on the ball.

"Now we are going to try and give him a couple of days off so I don't burn him out before he goes back to LA."

Donovan believes he is not yet at his best but is confident Everton can become a force once they overcome a lengthy injury list, and said: "With my form, I'm getting there. I don't think I've been at my absolute best yet and I think I have more to offer

"Not a whole lot has changed in the two years since I was here. Of course, every time you lose players like Arteta and Pienaar, there is going to be a difference in quality.

"But the mentality is good and I think we are just a little bit away from being special again."

Source: PA