Where would Liverpool target Clint Dempsey fit into the Reds’ setup?
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EmailLiverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted that his first signings as Reds boss are not too far away, with the team’s attack in need of a revamp. With Andy Carroll looking surplus to requirements in the Northern Irishman’s thoughts, sprightly Roma striker Fabio Borini has been identified as a more agile replacement. However, Fulham forward Clint Dempsey is also a name that has been consistently linked with a move to Anfield – but where would he fit into the Liverpool setup?
The second-half of the season slump that saw the Merseysiders finish eighth in the Premier League last term and cost Kenny Dalglish his job was largely down to a lack of goals and some substandard finishing at times. A total of 47 goals in the 38-game campaign is simply not good enough for a team with top-four ambitions and Rodgers has correctly identified this as an area where reinforcement is needed.
The former Swansea boss’ offensive approach at the Liberty Stadium side should have the Kop witnessing a more forward-thinking team next term, but the personnel needs to be right. It will be interesting to see where the former Swans boss opts to deploy talisman Steven Gerrard, but a berth in central midfield rather than out wide or in behind a striker seems likely.
Luis Suarez’s glimpses of brilliance were a rare bright spark last season, and the side will continue to look to the Uruguayan for inspiration. However, the South American needs assistance, as in a second striker role he needs a hitman to feed off. Presumably this is where Borini fits into Rodgers’ plans.
Dempsey took almost the sole goalscoring responsibility at Craven Cottage last term, with 23 goals in the campaign an excellent return for the United States international. The 29-year-old has become the main man for Martin Jol’s side, and has played in numerous different positions with minimal fuss. If and when he does move to Anfield, Dempsey has the potential to complete a Liverpool team set up in the same style as Rodgers’ Swansea.
A central midfield three of Britten, Sigurdsson and Allen would be replicated presumably by Gerrard, Lucas and Adam/Henderson, with three attackers ahead of this. Borini would act as the Danny Graham type centre forward, with Suarez and Dempsey given the leniency to roam, start from wide and support the main striker.
The American’s determination on the pitch, quality on the ball and added goal threat would surely be an asset an Anfield, but one feels that Liverpool need him and a new out-and-out striker to prevent overdependence on Suarez and complete a more rounded attacking line-up.
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11/07/2012 @ 18:44
No tanks
11/07/2012 @ 19:12
Please get him. Get Joe Allen (this guy is too good) is see him as 3-in-1(iniesta, modric,silver). Daniel Sturridge and Adam Johnson.
11/07/2012 @ 20:34
He wont be fitting in anywhere. He is too old to be signed and not worth £7500 never mind £7.5M. Doesn’t anyone take any notice to what the owners have said? Nobody who is over 25 years of age will be purchased as there is no return on the investment.
11/07/2012 @ 22:33
We all see how the “25 year old” rule worked out after last summer’s transfers… wouldn’t hold the owners to it this time around…
11/07/2012 @ 22:31
yeah but when he became manager he got total control on transfer.
11/07/2012 @ 22:41
Bill
Do you seriously think that a potential return of 25+ goals per season – almost 50% of LFCs total goals last season – in the next 2/3 years would not be a good return on a £7.5m investment? Dempsey was a big threat i most matches he played last year and is v.good in the air. He would fit into the Rodgers style.
12/07/2012 @ 06:14
I agree that with one year left on his contract Dempsey proves very good value for the ability and spark that Liverpool would get on their investment. Regardless of his age
12/07/2012 @ 11:09
Get him in. I’m a big Clint fan. He’s a good player and I think he can do a good job there. I’d like to see him at ManU. I think he’d be a good addition to your team. He’s got a lot of confidence in his ability so I’d reckon he’d do well. An established US international has been to a couple of world cups. He’s a fit guy so I reckon he’s got 2/3 more seasons at a high level. And his Utility he can play different midfield position and attacking positions. A barging at 7.5M.
14/07/2012 @ 12:02
In regards to the age issue, having played college and then MLS, Dempsey has played considerable less football than the average 29 year old Premier League player. Also no major injuries in the past. There is something to be said about future ROI, but for 7.5 mil, it isn’t as important as it would be for a big money buy.
His goal scoring efficiency is better than any of Pool’s current starters, and he is capable of playing many different positions. I could see him playing wide forward or as the most attacking midfielder, even CF in a pinch. That sort of flexibility (and having the necessary quality to play at all those positions) is itself worth the money.
14/07/2012 @ 22:56
Based on his performance last season, I think he’d be a great signing for Liverpool. He can take the heat off Suarez a bit and give opposing defenses an extra target to contain. Also, an American playing at one of the most historic clubs in the world will help bring more exposure to the USMNT
19/07/2012 @ 08:48
Andy carroll just needs a bit of time away from the Kop. And with Dempsey in the form that he is… Liverpool have to act now before the American goes to a club that finds him a little more atractive. Suarez and Carrolll could not be further apart when it comes to form and style of play. If I was appointed Liverpool boss tomorrow, unlikely but could still happen, I would send Andy on a much needed break away from the Kop. West Ham are interested, and I believe Carroll would fit right into the setup. Liverpool must act now if they are to have any chance of having a decent premier league campaign.