Dempsey is an inspiration

Dempsey has been a consistent performer in his five years with Fulham and the 28-year-old Texan hopes his current purple patch will continue.

Clint Dempsey has emerged as one of the best goal-scoring midfielders in the English Premier League this season.

The in-form Fulham player scored his second hat-trick in the space of a fortnight when the Cottagers hammered Newcastle 5-2 recently and he already has 15 goals in all competitions in the current campaign.

USA international Dempsey became the first American to score an EPL hat-trick with his treble against Alan Pardew's side, that outstanding performance coming on the back of a hat-trick in the previous home game in the FA Cup against Charlton.

Dempsey has been a consistent performer in his five years with the London club and the 28-year-old Texan hopes his current purple patch will continue.

“They seem to come in waves goals,” he said. “I'm just trying to keep working hard and keep enjoying the moment while I can because sooner or later they dry up a little bit on you. Hopefully I can continue with this form as long as I can because one of my favourite parts of the game is scoring goals. I always want to better myself and do better than the year before. So far I have been able to do that this season. Last season I had 13 in all competitions, now I have 15 in all competitions. I have nine in the league, last season I had 12 in the league so hopefully I can do better than 12 in the league. But I'm happy with the way things are going and hopefully I can keep putting the ball in the back of the net.”

Strong in the air and clinical in the penalty area, Dempsey's work is not limited to the attacking third as his work-rate and commitment are second to none.

Goal-scoring midfielders are a valuable commodity and Cottagers boss Martin Jol is hoping Dempsey can maintain his impressive form.

“Clint Dempsey is our top-scorer,” said the Dutchman. “He is a wide player and our top-scorer. He is doing what he does best. Clint scores goals and if he can score 12 goals this year and some other players do we will be fine.”

Liverpool are among the clubs to have been linked with a move for the former New England Revolution man, but Jol will be determined to hang on to the in-form midfielder.

And if he stays fit and continues to find the back of the net at his current rate, Fulham will be surging up the table and Dempsey's value will soar.

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