By IVES GALARCEP
Clint Dempsey has been carrying the scoring load on the U.S. Men’s National Team for as long as anyone can remember, and now he will also be carrying the burden of leadership as the team’s newest captain.
U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has appointed the Tottenham star as the new U.S. captain for the upcoming qualifiers against Costa Rica and Mexico.
“Clint is one of our most experienced players and ready to assume a more vocal leadership role,” said Klinsmann. “He has been huge for us in World Cup Qualifying so far and is already one of our key leaders. We know he will do a great job for these two important games.”
Dempsey has made 92 appearances for the USMNT, and has been especially efficient in World Cup qualifying, notching 11 goals in 27 qualifying appearances.
Dempsey takes over for Carlos Bocanegra, who was not called into U.S. camp due to his lack of playing time with Racing Santander. He has worn the armband one other time in his career, during the second half of the U.S. team’s scoreless draw vs. Colombia on Oct. 12, 2010 at PPL Park.
What do you think of the decision to make Dempsey captain? Like the choice? Who would you have named captain?
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