Q&A with Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey has been in excellent form as of late
Welcome Clint, its great to have you here! We know you have a packed schedule with practice and team events.
Happy to be here man.
You've certified yourself as a forward for the United States. You've played outstanding in this Gold Cup. Your thoughts?
It's been a great run so far. We've won all of our games thus far and everyone has played a great role. I've been pleased with my play, usually I'm my hardest critic, but hopefully we can continue to win because that is the main goal.
You've played both Midfiled and Forward, which do you prefer?
Honestly? Probably midfield. It is close, but the midfield gives me more room to roam and run, and do my little jukes. (laughs) But I like up top too, nothing like scoring goals.
You've scored a lot of great goals for the Men's National Team. Give us your Top 2
Ummmm...number 1 is definately the goal against Ghana in the World Cup. I was pumped especially because it got us back in the game at that point. There are so many which can be number 2, but I'd say scoring against Brazil in Chicago giving us a 2-2 score at the time. That is always memorable, scoring against Brazil.
Yes we remember quite well. Speaking of World Cup, what do you think the team must do to avoid another early exit?
Well hopefull we won't get drawn into such a tough group. We were in arguably the hardest group. But hey if thats the way the ball bounces then we got to deal with it. We just have to play smarter. Bruce (Arena) got a lot of heat for it, but we just didn't execute and that is the players fault.
Which of the Forwards do you like pairing up with the most?
(Laughs)..well I like playing with anyone and everyone up top. We all feed off of each other and that is why we can all rotate. Josmer (Altidore, Brian (Ching) and all the guys have their own strengths and that gives us great flexibility.
You guys play Panama who took 3rd place of Group C. Your thoughts on that?
Panama is a good team. Wasn't too long ago we played them in the Gold Cup Final in 2005 and they took us to PKs before we won. We definately know that they are capable of winning this game so we have to go out and play mistake free football.
What player has been most influential to you?
Well I've studied Maradona since I began my soccer career. But Brian McBride has helped me a lot. He took me under his wings when we played together for the National Team, and now at Fullham he still helps me and gives me advice. I think this is hist last year there though.
Well Clint, we thank you for your time and good luck against Panama!!!
Yeah, maybe the Deuce will score just for you guys. (laughs) Thanks for having me.