The reality of the move has truly and finally set in: Clint Dempsey is a Spur. He's not playing for Roy or Jol. He's not playing that left-side inverted wing position that saw his goals tally slowly but steadily rise to star-man level in England. He's on a team reaching for Champions League instead of one happy to stay mid-table. Lots of change for Clint but is it good for the US as preparations and qualifying goes forward towards WC14. Dempsey is now being asked to take on the role of creator: Andre Villas-Boas signed Dempsey to fill the number 10 role Van der Vaart performed so well in even though the American was used to operating off the left flank. Clint has struggled in this role so far this season but appears to be finding his way after a well-received performance against West Ham this last Sunday. Will Clint's determination combined with AVB's stubborn commitment to turn Tottenham into a passing and movement team result in Klinsi getting the central playmaker that so many have found missing from the development of the US attack?
If Dempsey can continue to make plays like he did yesterday, against better opponents in the B/EPL, he might be able to become the play-maker JK and we seek for the USMNT. Time will tell. With Lennon and Defoe in front of him, and Gareth Bale essentially playing the position Dempsey did at Fulham, I doubt Clint will ever tally as many goals with Spurs as he did with FFC. And, when Dembele returns fully fit, Clint's role will revert back to a lesser one all told. Not that he won't be able to contribute, its just that Spurs are still working their way to fit AVB's vision, and there are more ego's to appease. As long as he remains in the first 11, and Tottenham get results, Clint's aspirations will be answered. Though, with the 7-8 teams currently jostling for Champions League spots in 2013, Spurs have their work cut out for them IMO.
if he gets playing time. I have a feeling he's probably peaked as a player though. He's getting to that age anyways
He's slowly starting to look more comfortable with Tottenham. At the same time, I feel his struggles have been a bit exaggerated. Not that he's been great or even good this season (he's just kind of been there), but he's been far less of a problem than people make him out to be. Kyle Walker has been rather poor at RB, and with injuries Verntongan has played LB and while he hasn't been bad, William Gallas has taken his place at CB and has been a huge weakness.
Dempsey is playing a position for Spurs that is less likely to need speed running than passing. That might fit Dempsey in the long-run. This is working out very well for JK and the USMNT.
Lennon, Bale, and Defoe can't pass. At least not to what Dempsey is use too. They can't play in a half court offense. It's the EPL so in general that's fine as long as you have skill and pace. Dempsey just has to work on hitting them in when they are making their inward runs. He's literally the best passer in a attacking position for Spurs and it is probably taking him some time to get use to. The addition of Dembele will definitely free up some space for the attackers.
17 appearances and 13 starts for Tottenham...yes, I'd say this is good for the US. And if this is his peak, my hope is we have more US players reach that same peak....dude's improved pretty much every year.
lets be realistic dempsey has looked very bad playing in the middle for tottenham and the national team.
Lennon an excellent passer? Wow, than what do you call actual excellent passers- Xavi et al? Super duper pooper excellent passers?
But, if he has mastered his new role, he has gained the skills that he previously may not have possessed or, if he did have them, they were not fully developed. So, whether it's with Tottenham or not, a new and improved Clint Dempsey is good for everyone.
Agreed. To the extent that Dempsey gets to play as a #10 or a second striker for Tottenham, rather than as a left mid, this is good for the USA. He will actually be working on the skills, vision, and timing that match more closely with how Klinsi has typically used Dempsey. And as long as he plays at least half Tottenham's available minutes, Dempsey should be in good match shape for the US. Plus, as long as he isn't used 90 minutes every game, he will save some wear and tear on his 30 year old legs. I'm not seeing too many negatives, but some potentially nice positives.
He's got 8 goals and 2 assists in 14 games under Klinsmann. He's playing well. He played both midfield flanks, the hole, and had an occasional cameo in central midfield with Fulham. He's not doing anything new at Tottenham other than having to gel with a new set of teammates. Best case scenario is AVB gets another center mid to rotate with Dempsey and Dembele. This will spares Deuce some of the wear and tear of the English season on a Europe league/CL team.
Are you referring to the goal against Italy in the game we won 1-0 or the goal that got us the two points we needed against Guat away to qualify for the 2014 WC?
I think what he meant to say is that if Dempsey was half way competent and sober when he played for us he wouldn't have only nearly half of our goals, our leading scorer and 2nd place in the last round for all scorers. He'd easily have a hat trick every game and likely be signed by Barcelona tomorrow.
Sorry meant compared to most Americans. My bad. Yeah compared to european elite players he is pure crap. But on spurs he is fine for what he is. His pace is what sets him apart but he can lay off a great pass at full pace. which is his job but he isnt luka modric or xavi in those terms.
if past experience has taught us anything, it is that you bet against Clint Dempsey at your peril. he has regularly blown past expectations. i don't consider myself a big fan of his, but i fully expect him to step up (again). this can only be good for Team USA.
I think people confuse his first touch. the man is so fast that you think it is his touch that is the problem. I have watched him cleverly move past players so many times with his speed by deftly two touching the ball with one foot. he has more skill than people realize. at full speed it is amazing the ball doesnt go into the stands every time.
Spurs won the cup in 2008! come on! Arsenal well my god they have won so many things. But right now? oh heck no we dont spend the money and neither does Arsenal that the big boys do. Thats ok. I mean Nani is more technically gifted than Lennon but I wouldnt want him over Aaron. I think this has been lennons finest season this year. when he captained the team he looked fantastic. he has done well. Lennon has plenty of skill. I think he moves too fast honestly. Walcott is another but he isnt as good as Aaron. (I wont ever admit it either hes a gooner even if he was better I couldnt say)