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USMT: 4 reasons why Clint Dempsey is Greatest of All Time

By Adnan Bašić

NATAL, BRAZIL - JUNE 16: Clint Dempsey of the United States reacts after scoring his team's first goal past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey of Ghana during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Ghana and the United States at Estadio das Dunas on June 16, 2014 in Natal, Brazil. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
NATAL, BRAZIL - JUNE 16: Clint Dempsey of the United States reacts after scoring his team's first goal past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey of Ghana during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Ghana and the United States at Estadio das Dunas on June 16, 2014 in Natal, Brazil. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Fulham’s Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring his second goal and Fulham’s fifth goal of the match during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on March 4, 2012, in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Fulham’s Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring his second goal and Fulham’s fifth goal of the match during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on March 4, 2012, in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images) /

3. Proven in Europe

Dempsey made his move across the pond at the end of 2006, signing for Premier League side Fulham in a deal worth around $4 million. He quickly scored a massive goal for his new club as his winner versus Liverpool all but secured Premier League safety for the Cottagers towards the closing stages of the 2006/07 season.

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Over the next five years, Dempsey was a consistently excellent player for Fulham. The first name on the teamsheet during most of his time at Craven Cottage, he played a key part in most of their more memorable moments. The peak might have come in 2010 as Dempsey scored an exquisite chip against Italian giants Juventus in the Europa League Round of 16. Fulham eventually made it all the way to the Europa League final but lost to Atletico Madrid in extra-time.

His success led to another big-money move. Spurs signed Dempsey thanks to his excellent Fulham form, but he found it tough to break into the first team on a weekly basis. He was by no means a flop. His first goal for the club was the game-winner against Manchester United, securing Spurs’ first win at Old Trafford in 23 years.

Dempsey was especially useful in the FA Cup, grabbing three goals in two games in 2013. It may not have been the role he wanted, but he was still able to make an impact off the bench on several occasions.

By the time he decided to come back to MLS, Dempsey had smashed records for a USMNT player abroad. He has the most Premier League goals, 21 more than second-place Brian McBride. He became the highest-paid American soccer player of all time and has made more Premier League appearances than any other outfield USMNT player.

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