Sunday, June 5, 2011

INFTH Top 100: Numbers 90 and 89

90. Clint Dempsey- An exhilarating attacking midfield player, Dempsey is ever tenacious, either in the heart of midfield or just behind the strikers. After years of excellence in the Premier League, Dempsey managed to surpass himself, producing a wonderful 10/11 for Fulham Football Club. Twelve goals in the Premier League led him to Fulham's top scorer gong, as well as the record for all time leading American scorer in the Premier League.

On the international level, Dempsey has continued to impress throughout 2011, building on what was already a very healthy reputation. As the United States prepare for the 2011 Gold Cup, Dempsey remains an integral part of the team, a guaranteed starter, and one of the men expected to make a difference in some of the Stars and Stripes' key matches.

Strong in the air and a possessor of silky foot skills, Dempsey is an extremely versatile player, something which makes him well suited for the fast paced English game. However, in recent weeks the American has been linked with moves abroad; supposedly the Di Bennedeto family now in charge of Roma have him in mind, as well as French club Paris St. Germain.

If Dempsey does leave, and I for one hope he does not, he will be remembered with nothing but fondness by the Fulham fans. Deuce has made himself really popular around West London, and you can be sure that the Craven Cottage faithful will be desperate to see him back next year.

89. Luis Suarez-  Perhaps the pressure was a little too heavy on Luis Suarez during the first half of the 10/11 season. Departing South Africa as a villain rather than a hero, much was expected of the magical Uruguayan as he attempted to lift Ajax back among Europe's elite.

Unfortunately, August to January proved a torrid period for Suarez, he failed to perform well in the Champions League and was suspended for biting an opposition player during Eredivisie action. However, Suarez's fortunes were to drastically change after his big money January move to Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool, the Uruguayan was an instant hit with the Anfield faithful.

After scoring on his debut against Stoke, Suarez really hit the heights against Manchester United, when his mazey dribble and pass put the Reds on their way to victory over their most hated rivals. More was to come after the United match, just days later Suarez scored from an impossible angle against Sunderland, cementing his place in the hearts of Liverpool fans everywhere.

Based on his performance in the second half of the season for Liverpool, Suarez would be sitting much higher up the INFTH Top 100 List, but due to his early season form, he was dropped down dramatically. Next season, he'll be a dead cert for the top fifty.

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