Football
Doug McIntyre, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Steven Gerrard still 'has some good years left,' says Clint Dempsey

BALTIMORE -- Clint Dempsey played against Steven Gerrard often enough during his seven seasons in the Premier League to be sure that the former Liverpool captain the will be a hit with the LA Galaxy.

Gerrard is scheduled make his first official MLS appearance on Friday, when the Galaxy host California rival San Jose Earthquakes. The 35-year-old debuted for his new team in last week's 2-1 friendly win against Mexican power Club America.

"I still think he has some good years left," Dempsey said on Thursday in an interview here, where the U.S. national team faces Cuba in Saturday's Gold Cup quarterfinal. "He has a lot of experience and leadership qualities that he can pass on to those players."

Demspey, who enjoyed successful stints with Fulham and Tottenham before signing with the Seattle Sounders in 2013, said Gerrard could become almost a coach on the field.

"To be able to tactically put his two cents in, that will only make them better," Dempsey said.

Which won't help Seattle, of course. Despite winning the Supporters' Shield with the best MLS regular-season record in 2014, the Sounders lost to the Galaxy on away goals in the Western Conference final. The club has yet to reach MLS Cup since joining the league in 2009 despite making the playoffs in all six seasons.

Now the Galaxy are even better. In addition to Gerrard, LA added 26-year-old Mexican international Giovani dos Santos on Wednesday, and has also been boosted by the arrival of former U.S. youth national teamer Sebastian Lletget, who has four goals in seven games since joining in May from West Ham.

"They already had [2014 MLS MVP] Robbie Keane and Lletget, who has come in from Europe and scored some goals," Dempsey said. "And they definitely strengthened their squad with Dos Santos, with Stevie G."

Will the Galaxy's reinforcements compel the Sounders to add recruits of their own during the current transfer window?

"Every team is always trying to strengthen it's squad, but you'd have to ask Sigi Schmid, Adrian Hanauer and Garth Lagerwey that," Dempsey said, referring to Seattle's coach, minority owner and general manager.

As for what he made about MLS commissioner Don Garber's recent decision to select Gerrard and former England teammate Frank Lampard of New York City FC for the July 29 All-Star Game in Denver against Tottenham -- despite the fact that neither has played in a league game yet -- Dempsey was diplomatic.

"That's why the commissioner has his picks, to do what he wants to do," said Dempsey, one of 11 players voted in by fans. "Those are two great players that have done a lot in their career, and they bring quality to the team.

"It's not up to me to say what should be done."

^ Back to Top ^