Landon Donovan's always going to have a home in Liverpool with the Blues

By Mark Reid on Mar 8, 10 03:00 PM in Fans

Having finally seen the back of the so-called "month of hell" that is February, Everton took on Hull City at Goodison, without key men in Fellaini and Cahill but welcoming back another key man in Phil Jagielka. It also, after the first 10 minutes in which he took to settle, showed Mikel Arteta passing the Tigers off the park and show why Everton have missed him for so long.

After a long hard month Donovan was given a rest and when it was set up for him to retake his right side of midfield for the last 20 minutes he didn't disappoint with a goal to banish the previous week's memory and an assist to Rodwell to finish the rout.

Since the start (and as written about here) Donovan's shown he's a quality player and his attitude has meant he's extremely popular with the blues, as evidenced by the reception he's been given by the supporters and other team mates. His respect and attitude's mirrored the respect he's held in, which in little more than two months says something.

Talks are underway about possibly extending the loan, work-stopages and player strikes in the US may mean the stay could be longer, which no Evertonian will complain about. With a popularity like he has then if any bluenose were asked about keeping him on most would. Its rare to see a player come in and instantly take to the pace of the game with minimal preparation especially in the England, but due mostly to his excellent attitude and natural ability.

When asked on television if an extension could be made, it wasn't Donovan who answered, it was Mikel Arteta who answered: "YES". That says it all.

The fact is that Donovan's respected by the entire club and whatever happens, because he's respected Everton and done the talking on the pitch for the club, he'll always have a home at Goodison Park.

Its beyond doubt that Landon Donovan will feel the call of Everton again, even in the sunnier climate of Los Angeles. The human dynamo and 60's legend, Alan Ball once said: "once Everton has touched you nothing nothing will be the same".

Landon Donovan's just the latest player to get to know just what Ball meant when he spoke.