Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard feels Fulham are becoming increasingly reliant upon his fellow United States international Clint Dempsey.
Howard is set to come up against his compatriot on Friday when their respective clubs go head-to-head at Goodison Park in the FA Cup fourth round.
Dempsey has been in scintillating form of late, with two hat-tricks in his last three games taking his tally for the Cottagers this season to 15 goals, and Howard is in no doubt that the forward is someone the Toffees will need to pay special attention to.
"Without any disrespect to Fulham, I think Clint's been their best player for quite a while," Howard said.
"It seems year after year they begin to rely more and more on his presence, on his goals and on his leadership.
"I know Clint has been on a wonderful scoring run but hopefully we can keep him out and keep him quiet."
The match is likely to generate significant interest across the Atlantic given that another American star, Everton loan signing Landon Donovan, could also feature.