OT - Dempsey Article
Interseting article about Clint Dempsey and how differently he is recieved in England vs. the US.
I have been someone who has questioned his effort/fitness in the past (sometimes looks like he is struggling just to stay upright on the pitch). I obviously haven't been the only one critical of him in this regard. Is the criticism justified? It is hard to argue with his productivity in big games for the USMNT, though. And, he is obviously a huge asset for Fullham and has gotten a good deal of praise in Europe.
God knows we will need him to step up big time in SA if the US wants to make any sort of deep run in the tournament.
So, what are your thoughts on Mr. Dempsey?
He's the best striker on the USMNT on Fifa World Cup 2010 for xbox360 by a good margin. That means he must be good...
Then again, Davies is the 2nd best striker (tied with Altidore).
In all seriousness I think that article makes a valid point about playing in Europe then having to fly back and forth for USMNT games. From what I remember travelling to Germany a few years ago it took at least 1-2 days to get over the jet-lag, so depending on how much time he had to recoup that could affect his performance here.
when he kicks some major ass in SA. Seriously, I can't wait to see how we stack up against the world's elite after our showing in the Confederation Cup. I just wish i didn't have to record our match with England due to work.
I love Clint. Unless LD is on fire, clint is probably our most effective player. He scores when we need him to and he's fearless out there. He's not intimidated by anyone and as a result he is one few players on our team who has the confidence to take on whoever, whenever.
The USMNT needs more players like that, and once the young players of the new U.S. development academy (clubs nationwide not bradenton) are developed, we'll be looking mighty good.
I don't know a lot about the this sport, but I was surprised to see the the compensation disparities between playing for the premier league and the US national team. On a purely monetary level, the incentives for making the World Cup roster (~$37,000 in 2006) pale in comparison to the millions paid by club teams. This is something you see in a lot of sports, see men's basketball and the olympics, but it's interesting to actually be able to put a number on it.
Most soccer players, unlike some of their basketball counterparts and certainly if American Football had a similar international competetion them too, want to play in the World Cup more than just about anything else that can be achieved in professional soccer. The money might be an added motivating tool, but I dare say they'd all do it for free.
Duece is one of the best players on the USMNT. It was evident that he is more effective at the wing than he is at forward. He is a player that likes to cut in from the left side and I think he is most effective when he is given that option to roam. Either way watching him play for Fulham was great this year. That goal vs. Juve was one of the best goals all season.
When it's all said and done, Deuce may go down as the most "creative" US player ever. Guy scores crazy/lucky/flucky/golazzo goals all the damn time.
is USA's most creative player, and we need more player like him to use their creativity to make something out of nothing. If he's on, USA have a good shot of upsetting world powers like England.