#2 Clint Dempsey - Fulham (2006-07)
The United States of America National Football Team was never the subject of serious talk in English football until the arrival of Clint Dempsey from the MLS club New England Revolution.
Demsey’s goal scoring instincts were well known in the MLS. However, when Fulham offered $4 Million to acquire his services, it was termed a huge gamble by the pundits as it would make him the costliest transfer out of the MLS. The move to a new country and a totally different league took its toll on Dempsey and he failed to make an instant impact at the club.
However, it was in their penultimate game against Liverpool that Dempsey truly rose to the occasion. With 35 points on the board, any positive results from their fellow strugglers could have meant the end of Fulham’s Premier League stay. And with the Cottagers Fulham still to play Liverpool and the then mid table club Middlesbrough, it was never going to be easy.
Against the Reds Dempsey started a move as he took on two players before finding teammate Liam Rosenior in an advantageous situation on the right flank. When the ball was played back to Dempsey several Fulham fans must have held their breaths as Dempsey had never scored a goal for Fulham before that.
However, the Texan superstar kept his nerves and slotted it past the Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina to ensure that his side remained a Premier League club for the upcoming season of the Premier League.
