USMNT legend and former Bayern Munich midfielder Landon Donovan says Alphonso Davies is his favourite player at the club and that he can "become one of the best left-backs in the world".

Donovan spent three months as a Bayern player between January and March in 2009, signed on a short-term loan when former USMNT head coach Jürgen Klinsmann was in the hotseat at the Allianz Arena.

The California native made just six substitute appearances in the Bundesliga during that time, plus another in the DFB Cup, before returning to parent club LA Galaxy ahead of the new MLS season.

Landon Donovan (l.) made six Bundesliga appearances under Jürgen Klinsmann during his three-month stint at Bayern Munich - 2009 Getty Images

"I don't regret it," he told Sport Bild. "Obviously it wasn't easy because I'd have liked to play more. But it was a huge honour that Klinsmann wanted to have me there because he lived in California and had watched me a lot at Galaxy.

"Jürgen wanted to see if I could make it at Bayern and he wanted to give me the opportunity there. He went through a tough time as a coach back then, and was criticised a lot. That obviously made it difficult for him to put me in. But overall, my time at Bayern was a great experience. Even just training with world-class players every day was fantastic for me."

Bayern's squad remains packed with some jaw-dropping talent, but there is one player in particular who has caught Donovan's eye. "Alphonso Davies is my favourite Bayern player," said the 39-year-old, who is now head coach of USL Championship team San Diego Loyal, the club he co-founded in 2019.

Watch: Alphonso Davies - Bayern Munich's two-world star

Want more Bundesliga Action?

GET THE UPDATES!

"I also have Canadian citizenship, so I'm especially proud of him for that reason. Davies is an outstanding athlete, is good on the ball, strong in defence but also creates scoring opportunities and gets goals himself. He's got everything every manager looks for in a modern full-back. Davies can become one of the best left-backs in the world."

Twelve years have now passed since Donovan's time in Munich, but he still has a treasured memento of his time there: "The best thing I got at Bayern was a long winter jacket. As a Californian, I'm used to warm weather and I'd never worn such a thick coat. Maybe Bayern wanted it back, but I kept it. Even today, whenever I go someplace cold, I put that jacket on."

The 157-time USMNT international, who also made 13 top-flight outings for Bayer Leverkusen in 2004/05, could well need a thick winter jacket again in Germany at some point.

"I'm very ambitious," he said. "I've still got a lot of hard work to do. But if I should ever get the chance to work as a coach in the Bundesliga, I'd be very interested."

About the clubs

FC Bayern München

Allianz Arena