Dempsey Impresses; Could Start Against Spurs

A series of strong performances off of the bench, along with an admirable showing in his one start this season, might have Clint Dempsey on the verge of a regular starting role at Fulham.

The versatile midfielder spent a large portion of the 2007 campaign playing as a forward but American striker (and Fulham legend) Brian McBride’s return from injury pushed Dempsey back into the midfield and even off of field for a time. Dempsey fought his way back into the starting line-up as an outside midfielder for Fulham’s late season run with a series of solid performances as a sub. Now it seems that America’s lone goal-scorer at the 2006 World Cup is doing it again.

The summer transfer window saw a number of changes at Craven Cottage. Of the five Americans that ended the ’07-’08 campaign at Fulham only, Dempsey remained with the club at the beginning of this season. Manager Roy Hodgson went on a spending spree bringing in big money forwards Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora along with a slew of other players including Hungarian midfielder Zultan Gera. As the season began Dempsey was once again relegated to a limited role coming off the bench.

But Dempsey has played well in the time he has gotten on the pitch. In his one start against West Brom, a game in which Johnson was out with a red-card suspension, the 25-year-old put together an inspired performance. Playing behind Bobby Zamora as a withdrawn forward, the role Dempsey flourished in as a member of the Revolution, Dempsey found space and created a number of chances showing the attacking mentality that Fulham often lack.

Two games later the Nacogdoches, Texas native made his mark from the bench. Coming on in the second half to replace the ineffective Gera, Dempsey netted his first goal for Fulham since 2007 and helped the Cottagers walk away with a 1-1 draw against Portsmouth.

Last week, Dempsey once again playing the role of second half substitute though this time coming on for a noticeably lengthier spell came on for Gera and played a major role in Fulham’s success. With his first touches on the ball Dempsey played Johnson through into the Newcastle box where he was fouled, setting up a Danny Murphy game-winning penalty.

The increased playing time and run of good form seem to be signaling a move back into the staring rotation for the former MLS Rookie of the Year. His second start of the Premier League season could come as early as Saturday when Harry Redknapp and Tottenham visit the Cottage.

Fulham have turned its home turf into a formidable foe in 2008. The Cottagers have only lost once at home this season and can boast wins against Wigan, Newcastle, and Arsenal none of whom they beat in the corresponding fixtures last season.

The reemergence of Johnson as a goal scoring threat in recent weeks has spurred Fulham into the top half of the English table for the first time in recent memory.

Tottenham is on a similar run since Redknapp took over as boss. Their recent form saw them collect a dramatic point in the North London Derby with Arsenal and then go on to beat league front-runners Liverpool.

In last year’s encarnation of the Fulham-Tottenham London Derby at the Cottage, Fulham fought back from two goals down to earn a 3-3 draw. In what has to be considered his best performance in England, Dempsey scored the first goal for Fulham on a powerful header from a corner, was involved in the move that lead to the second, and assisted on the third.

It remains to be seen if Dempsey will be on the field tomorrow to replicate his solid performance last season against Tottenham.