'I didn't make top four? Sh*t' - Clint Dempsey cooked by Bruce Arena as ex-boss picks best USMNT player of all time

Throughout their playing days, Dempsey and Landon Donovan were often pitted against each other in the eyes of fans and pundits, each vying to be recognised as the best USMNT player. Dempsey had earlier revealed that he always perceived Arena as favouring Donovan, attributing this to Arena being the one who truly launched Donovan’s international career.

The rivalry and mutual respect between Donovan and Dempsey were hallmarks of an era that saw the USMNT achieve significant milestones. However, the debate on the best USMNT player ever still rages on and when Arena announced his pick, it massively disappointed Dempsey.

In an interview on CBS Sports, the host, Kate Abdo, asked Arena to name the greatest USMNT player.

"That's a tough question to answer," Arena started.

"Tough because Clint's sitting here?" Abdo asked.

"Not because Clint's sitting here. Because that wouldn't be my answer. I know Landon (Donovan) and Christian (Pulisic) would be in there."

A startled Dempsey asked: "Damn, I don't even make top four? Sh*t!"

"I just named two," Arena replied.

"Yeah, but I read between the lines," Dempsey said.

Arena was quick to stop him and answer: "You can’t read between the lines. I read your college transcript, you can’t read between the lines.”

The debate over who is the greatest USMNT player continues, with both Dempsey and Donovan boasting impressive careers and substantial contributions to American soccer. Dempsey’s aggressive playing style and resilience contrasted with Donovan’s technical skill and early emergence as a prodigy. However. the baton has passed over to contemporary talents like Pulisic and Gio Reyna who will be looking to make a mark in the upcoming edition of Copa America on home soil - which is set to commence on June 21.