The first question is simple. At this point, even if he does nothing else, he should be considered the greatest field player this country has ever produced. The evidence is everywhere you look. Since he moved to the England, his goal total has improved each season. This year, remarkably, he is scoring at a rate of one goal in every two games. Not only is he prolific, but his game has evolved. he has always been able to knock home a scramble or goal based on "guts". Over the last season or two, he has added another element to his game, and that is more elegant and shocking goals (evidence).
Look a little deeper and you will see a player that scores in big games for his national team. Of his 24 goals, he has victimized many of the best teams in the world in big games. He has scored World Cup goals against Ghana and England, Confederations Cup Goals against Spain, Egypt and Brazil. He is, or should be, the American style the Jurguen Klinsmann seeks. He is tough, energetic, smart, competitive, plays both sides of the ball, and in the words of The Bruce, "he tries shit". Shouldn't that be what the US Style is all about?
Regarding the second question, and his respect. His reputation has certainly grown, but it is not near the level I think it should be. Simply look at the where he sits in the Premier League scoring table for this year. Every player ahead of him is an outright striker. Players he has scored more than include a list of "world class" players (Lampard, Bale, Balotelli, Van der Vaart and Chicharito). This is all done while be the primary focus of the other team's defense. I feel like if Deuce were not American, he would be on a big four club.
Evidence of his lack of respect come from the number of times he has had to re-prove himself. He has played for Chris Coleman, Lawrie Sanchez (wait... who?), Roy Hodgson, Mark Hughes and Martin Jol. Each of these managers has put Dempsey on the bench and forced him to earn his way back. Each time, he has been successful.
Overall, I think that Dempsey is our best American soccer field player; perhaps best player overall. He has proven himself at club and national team level. It would be great to see him get his chance at a bigger club, but even without that accomplishment, he has done enough.
Thoughts?
I love Deuce, but I really don't see him replicate his fine Club form at the National team level. Sure, he scores goals in big sports for the Red White and Blue, but he just doesn't seem as dynamic as he does in the Prem for Fulham.
ReplyDeleteI think the reason for that might be that Deuce is better suited for the style of the Prem (fast, direct, go go go) and is able to raise his game when surrounded by better players.
We haven't seen him a lot in a US shirt since Klinsi took over, so hopefully some of that form can be duplicated in the future.
Regarding his respect, or lack thereof, I've recently found that some of his biggest fans are British pundits plying their trade in the states. Men in Blazers love him, and Steven Cohen and Kenny Hassan call him the best US field player of all time. It feels almost reactionary to his lack of respect he sees abroad. I would really love to see Arsenal drop 5-8m for him in the summer.
I still think he has a little bit to go to be considered the best overall player the US has ever produced. Kasey Keller and Brad Freidal are still ahead of him at this point. Doesn't mean Deuce can't catch him, but as of now, I think they have a leg up.
With that said, they have an inherit advantage being goalkeepers. The US has a fine tradition of producing world class 'keepers because its skill set is completely unrelated to that of a field player. All the things that most American outfield players lack at the world level on the technical/tactical side of the game are irrelevant when it comes to being a 'keeper. Being a keeper is about being strong, agile and athletic (all things that lend themselves well to American sports). The US will continue to produce world class keepers long before we consistently start producing world class outfield players at a similar pace.
Also, pretty good, albeit short, article about Deuce and his MIG (My Ideal Girl) of a wife on Goal.com today.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1614/americans-abroad/2012/02/03/2882160/dempseys-diary-things-change-with-a-family
Jon, a few of us read Le Grove as well, for the side bar. Also, debatable decisions.
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