Simple enough -- intrigued to see where this goes given the diversity of favorite teams around the board...
FAVORITE PLAYER EVER: Clint Dempsey. Played really well for each of my three favorite teams (Revs, Spurs, USMNT). During his time on those squads, they weren't especially well known for their diverse and powerful offenses, but he still got his with great effort and creativity. Certainly could've had a longer and more lucrative career in Europe, but chose to return to MLS and be a cornerstone player for that league.
FAVORITE PLAYER NOW: Heung-Min Son. Like Dempsey, he's just all hustle and smarts and creativity. Always makes the extra run even when it's unlikely he'll get the ball (I don't think anyone challenges keepers clearing balls more), and has the speed to make those sprints less futile than they first appear. Plays with infectious joy. And his sincerity in being willing to follow through on his commitment to the South Korean military despite the fact he could've figured a way around it given his popularity is commendable. [Even more than his leading South Korea to an Asian Cup championship in his last opportunity before having to enlist.]
[Paolo Maldini was my first favorite player, having been a back myself and seeing him thoroughly control his half of the field in the '92 World Cup. I'm also a big fan of Vincent Kompany.]
FAVORITE PLAYER EVER: Clint Dempsey. Played really well for each of my three favorite teams (Revs, Spurs, USMNT). During his time on those squads, they weren't especially well known for their diverse and powerful offenses, but he still got his with great effort and creativity. Certainly could've had a longer and more lucrative career in Europe, but chose to return to MLS and be a cornerstone player for that league.
FAVORITE PLAYER NOW: Heung-Min Son. Like Dempsey, he's just all hustle and smarts and creativity. Always makes the extra run even when it's unlikely he'll get the ball (I don't think anyone challenges keepers clearing balls more), and has the speed to make those sprints less futile than they first appear. Plays with infectious joy. And his sincerity in being willing to follow through on his commitment to the South Korean military despite the fact he could've figured a way around it given his popularity is commendable. [Even more than his leading South Korea to an Asian Cup championship in his last opportunity before having to enlist.]
[Paolo Maldini was my first favorite player, having been a back myself and seeing him thoroughly control his half of the field in the '92 World Cup. I'm also a big fan of Vincent Kompany.]
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