Danny Murphy reserved special praise for team-mate Clint Dempsey recently when the Fulham skipper reflected on what was a positive 2010/11 season for the American.
Since his arrival in English football in January 2007 Dempsey has impressed and progressed to become one of the Whites’ most important players.
Wonderful goals and assists of great importance have made him a popular figure amongst fans on the banks of the Thames, while his tenacity, versatility and commitment to the cause have won admiration from his peers.
“I think people forget just what Clint can bring to a side,” said Murphy speaking to fulhamfc.com. “We know that he has a lot of skill and is one of those players that can make things happen out of nothing.
“But there’s more to his game. He tracks back, he wins tackles and is a valuable outlet when under pressure. I think he’s the longest-serving player in the current squad and that’s testament to his ability and how much he means to the Club.
“For me, last season he was terrific – he really stood out.”
The 28-year-old became Fulham’s record Premier League goal scorer taking his tally to 33, 12 of which came in his 36 league appearances last term. Although not naturally considered a player that leads the line in the Bobby Zamora sense, in the England international’s absence, Dempsey coped admirably.
“Clint was probably the mainstay of our strike force for long periods of the season,” explained Murphy. “We had a lot of injuries to our forwards with Bobby joined by Mousa Dembélé and Andrew Johnson for long periods.
“As a result a lot of pressure was put on his [Clint’s] shoulders and he did extremely well. If it wasn’t for his goals and desire to do well, at what proved to be a difficult time, then things could have been very different for us.
“He’s a player that has a habit of being in the right place at the right time, and that was very evident last season. It was difficult having so many of the forwards missing, because let’s be honest, they are the team’s main source of goals.
“But Clint stepped up and relieved the pressure. I think he can be very happy with how he played last year and to become the Club’s leading Premier League goal scorer shows the contribution that he has made since he came in.
“He’s a player that always strives to improve,” added Murphy. “To be honest he could play in any system, he’s very adaptable. I’m sure there is plenty more to come and I look forward to seeing what he can do because make no mistake he’s a very important player for us.”
With the 2011/12 campaign starting early due to Fulham's participation in the UEFA Europa League next season, Dempsey’s skill, drive and capacity for brilliance will again prove crucial.