Friendly Invasion: A Preview of the Americans in the EPL

For all the hype and media attention, especially on this website, surrounding Landon Donovan's rumored move to Everton, many would hardly realize there are actually nine Americans already playing in English Premier League right now.

Here, I have profiled and previewed those nine players.

Some, like Clint Dempsey, will face challenges from other players on the field. Others, like Eric Lichaj, will face challenges just getting playing time.

Along with the Mexican League, the Premiership is the most popular and most broadcast foreign league in the United States (discounting the Champions League). As such, it is great to see these Americans setting an example across the pond.

I hope that in the future there will be more pictures like the one above, of Stuart Holden and Marcus Hahnemann.

Clint Dempsey (Fulham)

Background: The National Team star moved across the pond in 2007 and has established himself as one of the best American field players ever in England. In just four seasons with Fulham, he has made 137 appearances and scored 24 goals.

Last year was Dempsey's best despite a knee injury which kept him out for two months. Upon his return, he sent Fulham to the Europa League quarterfinals with this exquisite chip (in HD!).

Dempsey is very versatile and can play striker, winger, or center mid. He is known for being a creative dribbler and passer. Although sometimes the freestyle rapper in him tries to get too cute. The Texas native also can be lazy on defense and is streaky, like many attacking players.

The main news at Craven Cottage this year is new boss Mark Hughes. He has yet to make any big signings, but his very presence should help the team. He had a successful stint at Blackburn a few years back, so he knows how to manage mid-level Premier League teams. 

Prediction: Hughes is a great pick at manager for Fulham, so despite not having a deep squad, the Cottagers should better last year's 12th place finish, especially with no European soccer. Dempsey had a good World Cup and we should see 35-40 appearances from him with another ten goals.

Brad Friedel (Aston Villa)

Background: When people think of American keepers in England Tim Howard immediately comes to mind. Yet, Friedel has played in a whopping 362 Premier League, almost twice as many as Howard, and was rated higher in the Premier League Performance Index. He also holds the record for most consecutive Premier League appearances at 226.

Friedel's story is typical of many American soccer players. He went to UCLA and then bounced around the MLS and Turkey. After spending three years at Liverpool, during which he failed to secure the starting spot, Friedel moved to Blackburn and has been the number one ever since. His 2002-2003 campaign was arguably his best, as he was named to the EPL Best XI.

The third most-capped keeper in American history joined Aston Villa in 2008 and has started every Premier League match for them since. Last year, Friedel and Villa conceded only 39 goals during the 38 game season, making them fourth best. 

He is a commanding presence in the box and always inspires confidence in his defenders. He is a good shot stopper and good in the air. Yet, 39 isn't young, even for a goalie.

Despite a sixth place finish, the Villans faded during the end of the season, partly due to the fact manager Martin O'Neill used only 21 players. Gareth Barry has already left and James Milner seems headed down the same path. Their biggest loss is the that of Martin O'Neill, who resigned a few days ago.

Prediction: Without Barry, maybe Milner, and especially O'Neill, Aston Villa are going to be hard pressed to repeat their sixth place finish. Friedel might not be getting any younger but he still has a few miles left in him. The addition of Richard Dunne helps give him a great, consistent, and underrated back four. Villa may not make it back Europe but it won't be Friedel's fault.

Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)

Background: The second Brad at Villa Park, Guzan has been dubbed the goalkeeper of the future for the U.S. National Team. The 25-year old left Chivas USA in 2008 in order to advance his career in Europe.

Guzan has seen very little playing time in England, only having started 15 matches in two seasons. His only Premier League action was after starter Brad Friedel had been sent off during a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool. He has performed well when called upon.

Guzan might not have the presence of a Friedel or Howard yet but he still young for a keeper. He is a good shot stopper and has solid positioning.

Prediction: There is some talk that Guzan will be loaned out next season. He was not happy about being benched in the League Cup final, after leading Villa through the tournament. Friedel is still good enough to play every game for the Villans. I do expect Guzan to be loaned out from Villa Park, maybe even to a Premier League side.

Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton)

Background: Despite not being the most conventional of people, Hahnemann has reached the Premier League through grit and determination. He has played at three levels of American soccer (including college) and four levels of English soccer.

Hahnemann's last season with Wolverhampton was his 13th in England. He went 7-7-11 in the Premiership while allowing 30 goals and played a big part in Wolves' survival. Defense was their strength, but they finished last in goals for with 32.

Despite last year's strong campaign, Hahnemann will face some competition from Wayne Hennessey. Fourteen years younger, Hennessey appeared 22 times last year for Wolves, although Hahnemann was better.

Hahnemann is a good shot stopper but prone to mistakes. He is a two-time World Cup veteran.

Prediction: Wolves has made a few additions in the offseason and, if the wheels don't come off too early, they should be able to stave off relegation for another year. Hahnemann may be 38, but he still should be a solid presence for Wolverhampton.

Barring any major bumps, like injury or Mick McCarthy getting fired, Hahnemann should retain his starting spot for at least another year or two.

Stuart Holden (Bolton)

Background: The native-born Scotsman impressed many in the 2008 Gold Cup. Holden moved to Bolton in 2010 but broke his leg soon after his debut confining him to just two appearances.

Holden is a good all-around midfielder, although is not a standout in any one area. He can score goals, cross the ball, and play on the wing or in the middle. He is better going forward than coming back.

Bolton finished 14th last year and has made a few big offseason signings with the likes of midfielders Martin Petrov and Marcos Alonso. Bolton's defense is mediocre at best, as it is relatively unchanged from the unit that allowed the fourth most goals in the Premiership last season.

Prediction: It will be difficult for Holden to crack Bolton's starting lineup and even accumulate much playing time because the Wanderers are deep in the midfield. Still, Bolton will survive and Holden should see around 15 appearances, many of which will not be league games.

Tim Howard (Everton)

Background: There's not much I can say about Tim Howard you probably don't already know. He is one of the best goal keepers in the Premier League and might be the most important player on the U.S. National Team.

He is a big and strong goalie, who can win the ball in the air and inspire confidence in his defense. He has good reactions too.

Howard had great season at the World Cup and with Everton last year. He ranked fifth among goal keepers in the Premier League Performance Index. He allowed 49 goals in 38 games for Everton, six of which came in the first match.

Everton finished on a high note last season, but their eighth place spot was not good enough for European football. David Moyes is still in charge and the squad is basically the same as last year.

Prediction: If the Toffees can avoid a horrible start, then they should finish in the top seven. Without European football this year they will be fresher than their main competition (Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester City). Howard should be one the best keepers in the Premiership again as Everton has a solid and cohesive defense and midfield.

Eddie Johnson (Fulham)

Background: Eddie Johnson has been hit or miss ever since he started his career in the MLS at the age of 19. His best seasons in the U.S. were 2004 and 2007, when he scored 12 and 15 goals respectively. He was hampered by injuries in between.

Since moving to Fulham, he has yet to see consistent playing time. His loan to Aris Thessaloniki was encouraging but not eye opening.

He is known for his explosive pace and streaky scoring. Besides his speed, his other skills are not as consistent. At his best he can finish in the air and on the ground.

Despite a new manager and respectable preseason, Johnson appears to be buried on the bench at Craven Cottage.

Prediction: Johnson has voiced his desire to actually play for Fulham this season. It will be his last chance as his contract expires after this year. I don't think he will be loaned out, but I also don't think he will appear in more than five to ten games.

It's impossible to tell how many goals Johnson will score, but if Greece was an indicator we should expect one or two. I don't see him being at Craven Cottage next season.

Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa)

Background: Make no mistake, I, along with just about everybody else in the U.S., has never actually seen this kid play. But from everything I've read he seems to have a bright future ahead of him.

Lichaj is a 21-year old defender who has yet to notch to a none exhibition Aston Villa appearance in his belt. He did score a game winning goal for Villa against Peterbrough in a friendly on July 19th and played in every game during the 2009 Peace Cup.

After one year at North Carolina he was signed by Villa. He has been fixture on their reserve team and last year was loaned out to both Lincoln City and Leyton Orient. He played an important role in helping Orient avoid relegation to League Two.

Lichaj is a versatile defender who is good going forward as well. He was offered a three year extension at Villa Park and is expected to compete for a spot on the first team.

Prediction: Aston Villa have a lot of good young players, but I expect Lichaj to make the squad based on the fact he has played well every time he has played with the first team.

In terms of playing time, I doubt he will see much. Only during the ends of blowouts. Still, he may score a goal or two and has shown his knack for garnering playing time.

He's wearing white in the picture by the way

Jonathan Spector (West Ham)

Background: Just like Eric Lichaj, Jonathan Spector is a versatile defender, was signed when he was young, and plays for a team with maroon and blue jerseys. Unlike Lichaj, Spector has made an appearance in the Premiership.

The 24-year old did play in the 29 games for West Ham last season, although in part due to other players being out. His previous two seasons at Upton Park were riddled with injuries.

The Hammers finished 17th last season, one spot above relegation. They have a new manager in Avram Grant, who coached Portsmouth during their self destruction last season. There isn't much offseason news, other than rumors about a David Beckham signing.

Prediction: When everyone is healthy Spector is around fifth on the depth chart for defenders. So, he should see considerable playing time. He still has some time to get better, especially because he is a defender. West Ham are more talented their 17th place finish would suggest, and I expect them to finish 12-14th. Spector should see time in approximately 30 games and will have another respectable year.