Former US Men’s National Team (USMNT) forward Clint Dempsey has called the current crop of players in the national side as the country’s ‘Golden Generation’.

The 39-year-old former Fulham star who is now a broadcaster feels that the Gregg Berhalter’s side boasts of world class talents that could see them make a deep run in the World Cup.  

Dempsey breks down squad strengths

Speaking to former Fulham teammate Danny Murphy, Dempsey discussed his goal against England in the 2010 World Cup and drew comparisons of the star-studded English side with the current USMNT squad.

Dempsey said, “‘We had big players on smaller teams, now you have Americans at big teams, but they are not the main pieces. The best ones are young, 24 or under. Christian Pulisic [Chelsea], Weston McKennie [Juventus], Brenden Aaronson [Leeds], Tyler Adams [Leeds], Gio Reyna [Dortmund], Sergino Dest [AC Milan] and Yunus Musah [Valencia].”

Dempsey also provided his thoughts on USA’s chances in Qatar and analyzed the group in which his country has been placed alongside England, Wales and Iran.

He said, “There is a Golden Generation feel to it. They have a lot of potential but there is more youth than experience. The US usually plays 4-3-3 and it suits us to face better teams who we can counter-attack. If opponents sit back, it’s more difficult to break them down, so England may suit us more than the game against Wales.”

“Our strongest area is midfield. Adams, McKennie and Musah can really get around. They can stamp out fires — and get forward. The biggest question-marks are who is going to be our goalie, main centre-forward and centre-back partner for Walker Zimmerman.”

The former Fulham star mentioned that he has been impressed with Leeds United midfielder Brendan Aaronson whose energetic displays in the middle of the park and attacking third has won lot of plaudits.

Dempsey also claimed that the USMNT is stronger than Wales however exerted caution to the wind.

President sends message of support

Earlier this morning, President Joe Biden called up the USMNT to wish them luck before the tournament gets underway.

The US are expected to play free flowing style of football with McKennie, Pulisic and Aaronson pulling the strings in the middle of the park with Gio Reyna, who is back to full fitness and has been earmarked to shine in the much awaited tournament.  

Berhalter’s side take on take on Wales in their opening World Cup clash on Monday.  

Photo credit: IMAGO / Agencia MexSport

Guide to World Cup 2022

Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
TV Schedule: All the info on where and when to watch every game
The Groups: We breakdown each group and all the teams
The Kits: Check out what every team will be wearing on the field this fall
Predictor: Play out every scenario with our World Cup Predictor
World Cup Bracket: Map out the entire tournament, from the groups to the final