Editorial (July 27, 2017) – The United States Men’s National Team are the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Champions. Clint Dempsey assisted on the winning goal in the final as the USMNT beat Jamaica 2-1. He was involved on four the six goals the United States scored in the knockout rounds. After a very uncertain winter off-season, one thing is clear: Old Man Clint Dempsey.
Old Man Clint Dempsey Still Has What It Takes To Star For USMNT
Going into the 2017 MLS season, things were uncertain for Clint Dempsey. His 2016 season was cut short due to an irregular heartbeat. Going into this year, it was unclear when he would return for Seattle Sounders FC. And when he did, what would that Dempsey look like? That would decide if and when he was able to return to the national team.
It’s kind of ironic that fans and pundits doubted Dempsey. Deuce started in the Sounders regular season opener, playing 90 minutes. He accepted a call up to the first World Cup Qualifier matches of the caledar year in March. Dempsey had four goals in those two games, including a hattrick against Honduras. Christian Pulisic assistend on three of those goals (the other was on a set piece).
Still, Dempsey will be 34-years-old going into next summer. Given his age, the plethora of options at forward, and the fact that his goals have been padded by Pulisic, there’s been some doubt about Dempsey. If the United States make it Russia 2018, would Dempsey? Could he start or would he have to come off the bench?
It’s unknown if Dempsey will make it to Russia. But if he’s healthy and remotely fit, he’s as good a lock to the 23-man-roster as almost anyone. He proved in the Gold Cup that he doesn’t need Pulisic (or anyone else really) to help him be productive. He proved he can be an effective super sub if that’s the role Head Coach Bruce Arena needs.
Dempsey’s known much more as a goal scorer than a setup man at the national team level, but he was a passer in the Gold Cup. Deuce did a great job getting into space in and around the 18 yard box, collecting the ball, and delivering it perfectly to teammates to score.
Against El Salvador, he had a deft first touch to keep the ball away from a defender. His pass was well timed to keep Eric Lichaj onside.
He had a very similar pass against Costa Rica on the game winner. Again, a great first touch and a well-timed pass to get Altidore open on the run.
He got the assist on the Jordan Morris goal to win the final. He shouldn’t get too much credit for this one. His touch looked more like a lucky bounce. At best, it was a reactionary reflex.
Dempsey showed he can set up his teammates to score. He did it as a starter and off the bench. He did it in pressure situations as the go-to player. Pulisic wasn’t needed, though having him on the field would have things a lot easier for the U.S. Dempsey also scored a baller free kick against Costa Rica to tie Landon Donovan for the all time scoring record.
Dempsey’s proved that despite it age, he’s a necessary aset to the USMNT. His heart is fine. He’s clearly ok with taking a step back and coming off the bench if needed. No matter the circumstances or who he’s playing with he’s going to ball; he’s going to make those around him better. As long has he’s healthy and remotely fit, Old Man Deuce will be with the United States in Russia next summer.
