Seattle Sounders: 5 Questions for the 2017 Season
By Paul Taylor
3) What should we expect from Clint Dempsey?
Given how things ultimately played out for the Sounders last season, you could argue they don’t even need Dempsey. In reality though, you need to make the most of any advantage you can get, no matter how greedy it may seem!
In terms of the question though, there is no way of knowing at this stage what the team will get from the 2004 eighth overall draft pick. As has been stressed several times by management, every precaution will be taken and he won’t be rushed back.
Having said that, if nothing else, the early signs are promising. Dempsey saw his first action since August last year, in the Sounders opening preseason game and followed this up by starting in a scrimmage, against the San Jose Earthquakes.
The 33-year old is understandably optimistic, as he told soundersfc.com’s Matt Johnson: “It’s something that I love to do and I worked hard to get back into the position to be on the field. Now it’s just about getting sharp, getting the touches and passing a little bit better, and that will come with games.”
Overall, there’s no guarantees regarding Dempsey – he may play sparingly during the season, he could play regularly, or not at all. The Sounders and their fans wait to find out, with an equal measure of trepidation and hope.