Landon Donovan Gets World Cup Role After All on ESPN's Roster

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Landon Donovan acknowledges the crowd as he leaves the field after his second goal for the United States against Guatemala on July 5, 2013, in San Diego.

Image: Gregory Bull/Associated Press

By Brian Anthony Hernandez2014-06-11 19:11:12 UTC

ESPN will give Landon Donovan, thought of by some as the best American-born soccer player ever, his time to shine during the World Cup — just not on the pitch.

Donovan will provide commentary as an on-camera studio analyst for ESPN starting Wednesday, just weeks after he was left off the U.S. Men's National Team's 23-man squad.

See also: How to Watch the 2014 World Cup

Donovan, who will offer his opinions from inside the ESPN/ABC studios in Los Angeles, previously was a mainstay on the U.S. World Cup roster in 2002, 2006 and 2010. He is now the all-time leader for the United States in goals (57) and assists (58) in 157 matches.

Throughout the World Cup, 32-year-old Donovan will give his analysis before, during and after tournament matches, including the U.S. matches on June 16 (Ghana), June 22 (Portugal) and June 26 (Germany). Donovan's first appearance will be Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN's FIFA World Cup Preview.

"Adding Landon to our ESPN roster just before the World Cup is a coup because he knows the United States team better than anyone having played such a huge role in its success, especially at this event," Jed Drake, ESPN's senior vice president and executive producer, said in a statement.

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Topics: Entertainment, landon donovan, soccer, Sports, Television, world cup