Yanks Abroad
Clint Dempsey Finding His Goal-Scoring Form in 2013
Though he struggled during his first few games with Tottenham Hotspur, Dempsey is scoring at will so far in 2013. The American attacker tallied three goals in his first 50 minutes of action this year.
Clint Dempsey probably won't challenge his tremendous goal-scoring record of 2011-2012, but he is certainly off to a flying start in 2013.
On New Year's Day the 29-year-old Texan scored just three minutes after coming on as a late substitute against Reading. His long-range strike deflected off a Reading defender and snuck past a flat-footed Adam Federici.
In Saturday's FA Cup clash against Coventry City, Dempsey played a part in all three Spurs goals, applying the finishing touch on two of them.
It all started in the 14th minute, when Gylfi Sigurdsson delivered a free kick that Gareth Bale flicked toward Dempsey. The American tapped it in for an easy goal, putting Spurs ahead to stay.
Dempsey returned the favor 18 minutes later when his shot from inside the area deflected right to the feet of Bale, who put it behind Coventry City goalkeeper Joe Murphy.
Four minutes after that Bale whipped in a low cross and Dempsey, positioned at the far post, rose up and delivered a header that flew past Murphy and gave Spurs a commanding first-half lead.
Dempsey now has six goals in all competitions for Spurs. He also has three Premier League assists, tying him for second on the squad. Though these are impressive stats, Dempsey is unlikely to match his fantastic scoring record of 2011-2012. With Fulham that season, Dempsey was the focal point of the Cottagers attack and a first-team regular throughout the year. This, along with a run of good health, helped him secure 17 league goals and six more in cup competitions—a career-best 23 tallies.
At Tottenham, Dempsey got off to a late start due to his deadline day transfer from Fulham. He also faces constant competition for playing time in Spurs' talent-laden lineup.
That said, the 29-year-old is clearly finding his form, which bodes well both for his London club and the U.S. national team, which will be fighting to reach the 2014 World Cup in the coming year.
What do you think? Is Dempsey about to take flight and go on a goal-scoring run? Please share your thoughts below.
