Clint Dempsey

[Censored by Laurie]

Clint Dempsey netted a hat-trick, the first ever by an American in Premier League history, on Saturday in Fulham's 5-2 win over Newcastle (presently tied for 5th in the table). This comes two weeks after Dempsey recorded a hat trick in FA Cup play against Charlton Athletic, the top team in League One...the third tier of British soccer. Dempsey is Fulham's leading scorer with 15 goals in 30 games across all competitions.

A few Americans have been moving during the January transfer window...Landon Donovan is back on loan with Everton, the Premier League side with whom he featured back in 09/10 while from Bayern Munich. Donovan has started five matches and has 2 assists in a facilitating mid-field role with the Toffees. Everton is also trying to secure at the least a loan deal for striker Edson Buddle as well.

Midfielder Robbie Rogers has signed a deal with Leeds United...currently 9th in the English League Championship table (second tier), but only a point out of 6th and the all-important last spot for promotion play-off. Defender Tim Ream has been strongly linked with Bolton, currently 17th and just clear of relegation.

Also, Jozy Altidore has been playing very well with AZ Alkmaar, currently the top side in the Dutch league. The top of the table is close, but if Alkmaar can stay in one of the top two spots it's very likely Altidore will be playing Champions' League football next season...that could be a boon to both his development and confidnece.

Things are looking up for Americans in international soccer right now.

[Censored by Laurie]

Oh yeah...and Tim Howard scored a goal.

[Mean Green Matt]

Center Back Goerge John is on loan from FC Dallas to West Ham for a couple months. At the end of that period, West Ham has the option to sign him under contract.

[TIgreen01]

Gosh I hope Dempsey and Donovan still have something left in the tank in 2014....and as Wynalda said on Saturday, "WHY DO WE INSIST ON PLAYING HIM(Dempsey) ANYWHERE BUT UP TOP?!" Sweet mercy....the guy is a freaking finisher. Use him accordingly!

Watched Donovan twice since he joined back up with Everton. On Saturday, he looked like he might be the best player on the team. That said, I doubt his loan is going to go as well as last year's stay when Everton still had Pienaar and Arteta for him to play off of. This year's Everton squad is offensively challenged, to put it lightly.

[Censored by Laurie]

Gosh I hope Dempsey and Donovan still have something left in the tank in 2014....and as Wynalda said on Saturday, "WHY DO WE INSIST ON PLAYING HIM(Dempsey) ANYWHERE BUT UP TOP?!" Sweet mercy....the guy is a freaking finisher. Use him accordingly!

Watched Donovan twice since he joined back up with Everton. On Saturday, he looked like he might be the best player on the team. That said, I doubt his loan is going to go as well as last year's stay when Everton still had Pienaar and Arteta for him to play off of. This year's Everton squad is offensively challenged, to put it lightly.

He doesn't play up top for Fulham, he plays center forward typically in behind Bobby Zamora at striker. I think think playing him through the middle in behind a lone striker, or maybe 2 like he did in the US friendly with Slovenia...assuming you have someone(s) who has shown to be a capable finisher...is the best place for him.