This week's blog is a guest blog written by one of my teammates and classmates Kyle Bitterman. Kyle and I both are huge fans of Clint Dempsey for many reasons, some of which Kyle discusses. I hope you enjoy the blog as much as I did.
Clint Dempsey is the greatest player to ever put on a United
States uniform (sorry Landon Donovan). The blend of pace, skill, and power
makes him a nightmare for opposing defenders. He is the only US player to ever
score a goal in 3 different World Cups. He is currently the second leading
scorer in United States national team history and he is not done yet. Who knew
a kid form a small town in Texas would become the greatest American soccer
player ever. He tested his abilities at the highest level, something that a lot
of American players are afraid to do. Most American players feel comfortable in
Major League Soccer where they can collect their paycheck and can be one of the
best players in the league (Again Landon Donovan I’m talking to you). Clint
Dempsey is not like most American soccer players. He tested himself in the
English Premier league, where the pace of the game is higher than anywhere else
in the whole world. Not only did he fit in but he exceeded all expectations.
In the summer of 2006 Clint Dempsey was acquired by Fulham
from the New England Revolution. Dempsey scored 24 times in 71 games for New
England and was regarded as one of USA’s top young prospects. The transfer cost
$4 million which at the time was the highest transfer fee ever for someone out
of the MLS. Clint started out slow in the Premier League and needed time to
adjust to a new league and faster style of play. In his first year he only
scored one goal and people were questioning if he was talented enough to play
in the premier league. He answered critic’s questions by improving his goal
count every year at Fulham. The next 5 seasons his goal count was 6,8,9,13,23.
He exploded in the 2011-2012 season and was voted Fulham’s most valuable
player.
Arguably Clint Dempsey’s biggest moment in a Fulham uniform was
his magical chip against Juventus in the Europa League in 2010. Juventus is a
football giant in Europe and were huge favorites to beat Fulham in the Round of
16. Clint Dempsey ended Juventus’ Europa League hopes in the 81st minute
with this goal.
After a breakout year in 2012 other teams were raving about
Dempsey and bigger clubs around Europe were asking about his availability.
Dempsey also stated that his goal was to play in the Champions League which was
most likely never possible in a Fulham uniform. This prompted a move to
Tottenham Hotspur. The transfer fee was around 9 million and the deal made
Dempsey the highest paid US soccer player ever.
He played for Tottenham for one season where he made 29 appearances and
netting 12 goals.
In 2013 decided to return back to the US and play for the
Seattle Sounders, which is where is at today, at another transfer fee of 9
million. Even though he decided to leave the premier league, he will not be
forgotten. He will go down as a Fulham legend and as their all-time leading
scorer with 60 goals. Not too shabby for a kid from Texas.
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