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Fulham midfielder
Clint Dempsey |
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Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey is convinced that manager Roy Hodgson has turned him into an all-round better player.
Dempsey sealed a permanent move to Craven Cottage in January 2007 but has since flitted in and out of the first team.
This season has seen the United States international become far more integral to Hodgson’s plans and he admits that playing more frequently has reaped reward for him on an individual level.
"I've morphed into more of a complete footballer and someone who can get forward and back and is not a liability defensively,” he said.
“That was something that some thought was a weakness in my game but this year I've shown it's one of my strengths. I feel I'm more of a complete player, my passing and the tempo of my play has got better by taking less touches and being smarter.
"It's a great culture and awesome to be in a country where everybody is so passionate about a sport that you’re so passionate about. To be here and be around that atmosphere, playing in The Premier League, is a dream come true and I'm really enjoying it. I'm just trying to be the best player I can be.
"I just get my head down, work as hard as I can and keep my ears open to what I'm being asked to do as well as staying true to myself. It's been tough but it's made me a better, more complete player.”