Sunday Fulham Stuff (01/07/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Clint Dempsey Can Become US's Best Player of All Time


Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Clint Dempsey vs. Landon Donovan.

Recently, the debate over America's best player has narrowed down to these two massive stars. Guys like Claudio Reyna, Eric Wynalda and Brian McBride used to be involved in the conversation, but they've since been left behind, and both Dempsey and Donovan have improved to a level of their own.

Now, the debate over who the US's best player of all time has effectively boiled down to: "Who is better, Donovan or Dempsey?"

Both players may be around the same age as each other—Dempsey is about a year younger than Donovan—and may play roughly the same position—they both excel in a second striker or deep-lying forward-esque position—but they've taken very different paths to get to where they are today.


Success has come relatively easily for Donovan in his career.
Ed Zurga/Getty Images

Donovan has spent the majority of his career being America's golden boy in the soccer world. He may have struggled to get playing time with Bayer Leverkusen early in his career, but he quickly established himself as a top goalscorer with the San Jose Earthquakes, and never really looked back.

Soon, the individual awards began to pour in, and as they did Donovan's stock only continued to rise. He became a regular with the USMNT, moved to the MLS's biggest franchise, the Los Angeles Galaxy, and continued to dominate the league.

Dempsey's road to glory wasn't quite so easy. He grew up playing soccer in Texas, a state where soccer isn't a highly appreciated sport, and almost had his career come to a premature end when his family couldn't afford to continue supporting his club football.

Even after that, he wasn't enrolled in the elite IMG Soccer Academy like Donovan; he went to college, and thus did not start his professional career until the relatively late age of 21.

Once he was drafted into the MLS though, like Donovan, his talent quickly shone. He was named Rookie of the Year with the New England Revolution, and completed three great years with the club before Fulham offered $4 million for his rights. From there, success didn't come immediately, but Dempsey continued to develop until he became the star he is today.


Dempsey celebrating his winning goal vs Italy.
Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

The different career paths of the two players is reflected in their international careers. Both have been fantastic for the USMNT, but Donovan's massive 143 caps and 49 goals clearly dwarf Dempsey's 87 caps and 27 goals.

While many of Donovan's international goals have been penalties, there's no denying the quality he has shown to continuously make big-game play after big-game play for his country. Who can forget his goal in the Confederations' Cup final against Brazil in 2009, or his last-gasp match-winning goal vs Algeria in 2010.

Other international career highlights include his four-goal salvo against Cuba in the 2003 Gold Cup, and his recent hat-trick vs Scotland.

Dempsey, despite becoming a regular for the USMNT roughly three years after Donovan, has also contributed much in his time with the national team. His super-clutch 2009 Confederation Cup goals against Egypt, Spain and Brazil, along with his equalizer against England at the 2010 World Cup, are goals that will forever elevate him to the status of USMNT legend.

More recently, his 1-0 winner over Italy, though unremarkable in its nature, gave the USMNT its first ever win over the Azzurri, who won their last 10 matches against the USMNT dating back to 1934.


Could a move to Liverpool be what Dempsey needs to immortalize himself as America's best?
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

If we're debating the title of "USMNT's Best Player of All Time," Donovan's massive number of caps, goals and prominent position on the team practically ensures that he's got the title wrapped up against Dempsey.

Unless Dempsey single-handedly guides the USMNT to the semifinals of a World Cup, with little help from Donovan, he has little hope of knocking Donovan off his perch as the top USMNT legend.

But if we're debating the title of "US's Best Player of All Time," well that one's still wide open. In fact, you could say that Dempsey's got the edge right now.

Donovan has had an excellent career, and continues to excel with the Los Angeles Galaxy. But as a 30-year-old, he's effectively brought an end to his European career prospects; a bit of a shame considering how well he could've done abroad.

At this point, Donovan is probably limited to making himself available for short loan spells abroad with the likes of Everton, and finishing his career with the L.A. Galaxy.

Meanwhile, Dempsey has already done things Donovan has only dreamt of doing. Up until 2009-10, you could say that Dempsey had been a moderate success with Fulham, but since that season he has really proven himself to be an elite player, even by EPL standards.

Now, Dempsey is the subject of transfer rumors linking him with Liverpool, and if he can make the move to Anfield and be even moderately successful with the club, he'll blow every domestic achievement Donovan has ever recorded out of the water.

Arguably, he already has, after being voted the fourth-best player of the EPL last season and recording 17 EPL goals, but silverware and/or success with one of the world's elite clubs would be an achievement that no one could really dispute.

Right now, the ball is in Dempsey's hands, or rather at his feet. Donovan is likely to keep doing what he does; he'll excel in the MLS, keep challenging for domestic titles and chase short-term loan opportunities as they arise, to keep himself competitive and fit for the USMNT.

But Dempsey will begin the process of defining his career in the coming summer weeks. Next season, at Liverpool, he could become a successful winger for one of the EPL's most storied clubs, or he could remain at Fulham and build on his already highly-impressive work.

Alternatively, he could move to Liverpool and flop, or even stay with Fulham and flop. This might open the opportunity for Donovan to move back in the lead of the race for the US's best player, especially if he puts in favorable international performances.

For now, Dempsey's got my vote as the US's best player of all time, based on his clutch international performances and his unmatched club resume. We'll see next season if he can stay in front of Donovan, or if he'll fall back to being No. 2 to Donovan.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1242973-why-clint-dempsey-can-become-uss-best-player-of-all-time?

[WhiteJC]

 
Player Departures

Fulham Football Club can confirm that the following players have left the Club, having reached the end of their contracts:

Richard Barroilhet
Jonathan Cosgrove
Jack Dean
Courtney Harris
Rob Maloney
Oliver Monguel

In addition to the players released, Orlando Sa's contract with the Club has been terminated. The decision is a mutual agreement between the player and the Club.

Fulham Football Club would like to thank the players for their services during their time with us and we wish them all the very best for the future.
.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/June/OutOfContractPlayers.aspx#ixzz1zJv4hIMP

[WhiteJC]

 
Defender linked Fulham

Fulham boss Martin Jol is said to be looking at Czech defender Tomas Sivok who's agent claims a move to England is on the cards.

The 28-year-old centre half will have plenty of suitors as he can play almost anywhere at the back and his his present club Besiktas are still hopeful of getting the player to agree a contract extension, with his current deal running out on 30th June.

Agent Jiri Muller said: "Besiktas are very much back in the game. It will depend on the offer and Tomas' feelings.

"He wants to quietly think things over because every day there are more clubs showing an interest in his services."

Everton are also thought to be keen on the player, who impressed during this summer's Euro 2012 tournament in Poland and Ukraine.



http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/defender-linked-fulham-1442043.html#.T-_xXY6_wds

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 'in talks to sign Czech star'

Fulham are in talks to sign Czech Republic star Tomas Sivok on a free transfer, according to The People.

Midfielder Sivok, 28, is out of contract after leaving Turkish club Besiktas and is believed to have met officials at Craven Cottage to discuss terms.

The same newspaper claims QPR will ask Tottenham if they can take David Bentley on loan, and that Danish club FC Copenhagen have had an offer to take striker Romelu Lukaku on loan rejected by Chelsea.

The People also say Chelsea have refused to let defender Gary Cahill play for Britain at this summer's Olympics, while Daniel Sturridge has been given permission.

It is reported that boss Roberto Di Matteo and the club's top brass have insisted that Cahill, who missed Euro 2012 because of a broken jaw, must complete a full pre-season with them.

The Mail on Sunday say LA Galaxy are ready to make a fresh move to prise Frank Lampard away from Chelsea.

The People say Lampard has been offered a two-year deal worth £13m by the MLS outfit, is seriously considering the move and may even be allowed to leave on a free transfer to save the £9m he will apparently be paid in the final year of his Blues contract.

Lampard, 34, has repeatedly dismissed speculation about his future and insisted he intends to stay at Stamford Bridge.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/fulham-in-talks-to-sign-czech-star/

[WhiteJC]

 
DANNY MURPHY CALL FOR REVAMP IN COACHING

DANNY MURPHY has called for a revolution in coaching so England can pass like Europe's finest.

Murphy, who captained Roy Hodgson's Fulham side, blames the clubs' short-termism and self-interest, saying some don't care whether England succeed.

The former Liverpool midfielder is sure Hodgson will learn from England's shortcomings in Euro 2012, but he urges Premier League clubs to copy their Spanish counterparts.

"It starts from what you are taught as youngsters," he said. "You need to change the whole philosophy of coaching in this country because a lot of clubs are trying to get a team on the pitch to win games, rather than look pretty and produce technically-gifted players.

"I imagine a lot of the clubs aren't overly bothered how England do. I imagine Spain's clubs and youth academies all play the right way and get used to having the ball more.

"On the flipside, we are talking about the quality of the Premier League in terms of what it brings to the fans – that intensity, passion, pace, end-to-end stuff. You don't get both."

Murphy, newly signed for Steve Kean's Blackburn at 35, believes English crowds grow impatient with slower passing football.

"It's a fine balance between pleasing the fans and playing the right way. That is always a manager's dilemma," he added. "Fans don't want to see you being patient and sitting off."

Murphy believes England needs more coaches like his former Crewe manager Dario Gradi, a passing purist who gave him a grounding in total football.

"We played lots of different systems and positions," he explained. "I remember playing sweeper once as a 15-year-old in the reserves. It was a brilliant education."

Murphy believes England have struggled to hold the ball in major tournaments because they have not played 4-3-3, though he is convinced Hodgson will adapt. He said: "Roy's too clever not to accept change.

"I'd be surprised if there wasn't a huge improvement."



http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/330070?

[WhiteJC]

 
Sa makes Cottagers departure
Fulham striker Orlando Sa has left the Cottagers by mutual agreement, the Premier League club have announced.


Sa: Leaves Craven Cottage

The 24-year-old joined the west London club from Porto at the start of last season.

However, the Portuguese failed to establish himself in the first team, making seven appearances and scoring one goal against Norwich in a 1-1 draw on New Year's Eve.



http://www.football365.com/fulham/7855505/Sa-makes-Cottagers-departure?

[WhiteJC]

 
Striker leaves Fulham
Portuguese forward Sa quits by mutual consent

Fulham have announced Portuguese striker Orlando Sa has left the club by mutual consent.

The 24-year-old joined the west London club from Porto at the start of last season.

However, Sa has failed to settle in England and the club have decided to let him move on.

Sa failed to establish himself in Martin Jol's first team, making seven appearances and scoring one goal against Norwich in a 1-1 draw on New Year's Eve.

The 24-year-old is the third forward to leave Craven Cottage this summer following the departures of Andy Johnson and Pavel Pogrebnyak.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7855516/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Bentley Broke!
   
Earlier this week we reported on an apparent interest in bringing David Bentley to Craven Cottage.

Well it appears our quest might be about to fail with it now being reported that Queens Park Rangers are hot on the case and could be on the verge of persuading Bentley to go to Loftus Road for a season.

It appears that Rangers hold the trump card with Mark Hughes having had Bentley under his guidance when both were at Blackburn Rovers.




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=286036#ixzz1zMlHlY00

[WhiteJC]

 
Midfielder on the Fulham Radar
   
Having already signed the Croatian international striker, Mladen Petric, the rumour-mill infers that a second international could be heading our way.

It seems that Fulham are in hot pursuit of the Czech Republic star Tomas Sivok

Sivok is twenty-eight and is a free agent having left Besiktas in Turkey.

Seemingly, the deal has progressed to the stage whereby terms are being discussed.

We`ll keep you posted.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=286037#ixzz1zMlVodfb

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Released List: Club Terminates Orlando Sa


Orlando Sa will search for a new employer this offseason, after being released from his contract.

Fulham and Martin Jol have officially unloaded every single striker from last year.

With the transfer window officially opening, the first thing the club did was put out their released list, headlined by the "mutual agreement" to terminate Orlando Sa's contract.  That means every true striker who featured up front last year for Fulham (Bobby Zamora, Andy Johnson, Pavel Pogrebnyak, and Orlando Sa) are no longer receiving paychecks from the same employer.

Sa joined the club in August of last year, signed by Martin Jol to a three year contract on a free transfer after his contract with Porto had expired.

I'm a bit surprised, not only because he was one of only a few options in front for Fulham, but also because it came without warning, and it's not like he had much of a chance to prove himself. In fact, I really enjoyed Sa's work rate during the few chances he got.  Mostly a bench option last year stuck behind Zamora and Pogrebnyak, he kept a positive attitude and gave it his all during his time in.

The current strike force now consists of Mladen Petric, Marcello Trotta, and.........that's it.  Obviously Jol will be looking to add a few names to that list now that the transfer window is set for business, but it's a little scary when the club completely turns over names like this. What if the entirely new formula doesn't work? What if they don't gel? Many trust in Jol, as do I, but I know I'm not the only one with the little voice in the back of my head telling me this is very dangerous.

Other departures include:

Richard Barroilhet
Jonathan Cosgrove
Jack Dean
Courtney Harris
Rob Maloney
Oliver Monguel



http://fulhamsfinest.com/2012/07/01/fulhams-released-list-club-terminates-orlando-sa/?

[Burt]

There is a piece in the sports section of today's Sunday Times saying that Liverpool are making a play for Dempsey, and we are holding out for £10m....

[Admin]

There is a piece in the sports section of today's Sunday Times saying that Liverpool are making a play for Dempsey, and we are holding out for £10m....

And they qualified for the Champions League when?

[Burt]

There is a piece in the sports section of today's Sunday Times saying that Liverpool are making a play for Dempsey, and we are holding out for £10m....

And they qualified for the Champions League when?

Indeed...

It would make the pill a bit easier to swallow if (assuming he did want to move on) the club he was off to was playing Champions League football.

[Burt]

Here's the piece I refer to above...


ANFIELD CHASE £10m STRIKER
Jonathan Northcroft – football correspondent

Liverpool are considering a bit for Fulham's Clint Dempsey but have been told it will take at least £10m to prise the 29 year old United States star from Craven Cottage. Dempsey has been admired by his compatriots in Fenway Sports Group, who own Liverpool, and Brendan Rodgers, the club's new manager, is weighing up whether to go for a player who scored 23 goals in all competitions for Fulham last season.

Liverpool retain hopes of signing Gylfi Sigurdssin, the Hoffenheim midfielder who played under Rodgers at Swansea, although Tottenham are the favourites to land the Iceland international. Dempsey is on the list of alternatives being considered.

Fulham want to keep their player of the season but, with just one year left on his contract, recognise that doing so may not make financial sense. They want £10m for Dempsey, who has also been linked with Arsenal and Roma. Liverpool would be looking for a considerably lower price.

[LBNo11]

"Why Clint Dempsey Can Become US's Best Player of All Time"

...surely he has proved himself at the highest level and already is! Landon who..?