To say Clint Dempsey has had a more successful career than anyone expected is an understatement. While Dempsey's talents have never been questioned, it's hard to believe that a kid from a small town in Texas would become a dominant force in the best soccer league in the world, but that's exactly what Dempsey has done.

Dempsey is coming off the best season of his career and has cemented himself as the most successful field player in the English Premier League that the U.S. has ever produced. The Fulham striker scored 17 goals in league play this year, tying him for fourth in the EPL. He reached 50 career goals in the Premier League, becoming the only American to ever accomplish the feat.

Even with his personal success, Dempsey, 29, eyes bigger goals. In an interview with Sports illustrated, Dempsey spoke of desire to play with the sport's top teams.

"I want to do as much as I can in my career and look back and say I made the most of all the opportunities I've had. I'm always going to want to play in Champions League. It's something I've never done. I'd like to test myself at that level. That way I can look back and say, 'Hey, I gave it a go. Either I was good enough or I wasn't good enough.'

This very well may translate to move from Fulham, the only European club Dempsey has ever known. Dempsey has one year left on his contract and while the club has offered a new deal, Dempsey has not indicated he will sign it.

It is very possible that Dempsey could transfer to a team in contention for a Champions League title. Certainly many teams would be interested in some added offensive power and would give Dempsey a good look.

Whatever happens, Clint Dempsey can hold his head high. He has established himself as one of the greatest American soccer players of all time and has forged a path of success for future Americans' success in Europe.