MLS Alums: Best from the US

Dempsey making argument to be EPL's most impactful American

By Mark C. Young / Special to MLSnet.com

Clint Dempsey continues to raise his profile within the English Premier League. (AP)

Last week it was suggested that no U.S. player had made a bigger impact in Europe than former New England Revolution star Clint Dempsey. This motion came from someone with impeccable soccer credentials; yet, in almost knee-jerk fashion, the notion was dismissed out of hand. But then the Texan turned in another star turn in Fulham's 3-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday and it occurred the Dempsey claim was perhaps dismissed a little hastily. Because when it comes to players who cut their teeth in Major League Soccer, it's a fact that although many have tried, few have been able to establish themselves on the elite stage in the manner of Dempsey.

In every way, it's a long way from Nacogdoches, Texas to West London, England. "Deuce's" journey included a three-season stopover in New England that featured 2004 MLS Rookie of the Year honors, back-to-back MLS Cup Final losses (2005, 2006) and 25 goals in 71 games, a solid return by any standard for a youngster learning his trade. Dempsey's last game for the Revs didn't provide the Hollywood ending he had hoped for, coming into the game as a second-half substitute in the penalty-kick shootout defeat to the Houston Dynamo in the 2006 MLS Cup Final. But Dempsey is a determined character and that tough loss didn't alter his plans -- he wanted to play in Europe.

Charlton Athletic reportedly came calling during the summer 2006 transfer window, but to no avail. Then six months later, Fulham secured the services of the only U.S. player to get on the scoresheet at the 2006 FIFA World Cup (Cristian Zaccardo's own goal putting the USA on the scoreboard against Italy). Dempsey has often said that his goal against Ghana (which briefly tied the game and revived U.S. hopes of advancing to the second round) was the most important of his career. Fulham fans would probably beg to differ.

It was Dempsey's goal in the 1-0 home win against Liverpool, on May 5, 2007, that preserved Fulham's status in the EPL. The last time an obscure U.S. import had sent trendy West London into such a frenzy was Jimi Hendrix's first appearance at the Bag O'Nails nightclub in the mid-'60s. The EPL learning curve, though, would continue to be steep for both Dempsey and Fulham. Another relegation battle would follow at Craven Cottage, and like many other MLS alumni in England, Dempsey would struggle to nail down a starting spot. But with the appointment of Roy Hodgson as Fulham manager in December 2007, both Dempsey's and the team's fortunes changed for the better.

Last season, Fulham reached the giddy heights of seventh place in the EPL, a best-ever finish that gained the Cottagers a spot in the inaugural UEFA Europa League this season. Dempsey contributed seven goals to Fulham's record-setting season and established himself in the starting XI. Competition for places is fierce in the EPL and Fulham is no exception, but despite the arrival of players like Damien Duff and Zoltan Gera this summer, Dempsey remains a fixture in the first team this season. And this past week, he got to test himself against two European giants, Liverpool and AS Roma.

Dempsey is a player for the big occasion, as his penchant for scoring goals against Liverpool demonstrates. At the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, Dempsey's goal-scoring performances against Spain and Brazil were recognized with the Bronze Ball Award. And as Fulham boss Hodgson frequently points out, Dempsey's "only going to get better and better."

And that's what so exciting about Dempsey. While fellow MLS alumni Brad Friedel, Tim Howard, Brian McBride and Ryan Nelsen are perhaps currently ahead of him in terms of their impact on the EPL, he is catching up fast and the time for an accurate assessment a good ways off in the distance. And there is no doubt, that over the next couple of seasons with the confidence of a world class manager, a brand new contract extension and Texas-sized drive, Dempsey has the potential to blaze a trail where no other MLS-raised player has been -- on the shopping list of the major European superpowers.

Mark C. Young is an Emmy Award-winning freelance writer/TV producer who has covered several FIFA World Cups and Olympic Games. He is a contributor to Goal.com and also writes for the blog "No Mas."