Clint Dempsey - Why He Should Shine at Liverpool

Clint Dempsey has been linked with a move to Liverpool for quite some time now, and it is easy to see why. Bought from New England Revolution in 2007, Dempsey was the costliest import from the MLS, coming for a fee of 2 million pounds. But he soon justified the money spent on him.

A regular starter for Fulham, he has been the lynchpin of the Cottagers’ attack for the last two years, and in the process, was voted Fulham Player of the Season by the fans twice in a row. But the American has only one year left on his contract, and has made no secret of his desire to join a bigger club.

Liverpool had a very poor last season having finished eighth. Under Kenny Daglish the Liverpool attack lacked bite and venom, and was often like a person without a heart. New manager Brendan Rodgers though, has different plans. He brings with him the philosophy of the 4-2-3-1, with three attacking midfielders and a centre-forward. This is why he is after Clint Dempsey, who is a proven Premiership player and a regular goalscorer. Dempsey’s future will only be decided after proper negotiations, but here are five reasons why I think he will shine at Liverpool, if given the chance.

1. He is a clinical finisher

Dempsey is a type of player who is both consistent and unspectacular. He was voted Fulham ‘Player of the Season’ by the fans for the second straight season last year, edging out the likes of Moussa Dembele and Brede Hangeland. His 29 goals and 9 assists speak for themselves. One of the main problems with Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool was their finishing, with Henderson, Carroll, Suarez and Charlie Adam all proving themselves unable to hit the back of the net on a consistent basis. Dempsey will provide the venom in the Liverpool attack that has been missing since the departure of Fernando Torres

2. Dempsey is a versatile player

During his career with Fulham , he was known as a winger. But he can also play as an attacking midfielder, or if need be, up front. Rodgers’ philosophy of passing and pressuring high up the field requires versatile players like him, and the Liverpool team will be helped by his multi-dimensional gameplay. At Liverpool, he may be deployed in a number of positions, as he was for Fulham.

3.Dempsey is a workhorse

Dempsey can be compared with the ever present Dirk Kuyt who joined Fenerbahce a few weeks ago. Dempsey has superb finishing attributes and passing ability, and is a tireless runner who will work his socks off for the team. Kuyt was a decent crosser but so is Dempsey. The American will be the ideal replacement of Dirk Kuyt and one can easily see the fans liking him and driving him on to score.

4.The Advent Of Tiki-Taka in Merseyside

Brendan Rodgers, the present Liverpool manager was Swansea manager last season. He made waves in the Premier League last season for his passing football. Liverpool are looking for positive results after the poor season they endured last time. Dempsey will fit well in his new setup with Borini & Suarez up front. Dempsey is perfect for tiki-taka, as he likes to keep moving, helping link up play with Luis Suarez.

5. Dempsey will fit perfectly into the Liverpool system

Dempsey will surely be a hit, having Suarez and Borini in up front and Gerrard behind him. The major problem for Liverpool last season was that there were no good finishers, with the exception of Suarez. Downing’s form seems to have deserted him and There were a lack of runners in opponents boxes. We can therefore hope to see Dempsey scoring from Downing’s crosses and Gerrard’s set piece deliveries. At times last season, Liverpool did not have enough people making darting runs into the box. On other occasions, there was only one player in the box to attack a cross. Dempsey with his darting runs will change that.

Only time will tell if Dempsey will be transferred to Liverpool, and whether he can taste success there, but the stage is surely set for the American to go out and deliver.