Obviously we're all Arsenal fans and have most every reason to dislike Beckham and the rest of ManUtd, but I'd like to know what people actually think of him as a player. Personally, I think its become en vogue for the media to criticize him just for the hell of it. I think he's a terrific player, and lets remember that he's only now coming to his prime. His free kicks are one of a kind, and I think he can create more than he's given credit for. I love the comparison between Beckham and Derek Jeter. Both play for the dominant teams of the last decade, both are sex symbols, and both are very good but not quite the best at what they do. Whataya'll think about Beckham, honestly? I think anyone who says they wouldn't want him at Highbury are kidding themselves.
You're right that he is a great player, and I think to an extent the Jeter comparison is appropriate. My problem with Beckham is that he doesn't play the whole field. Remember, "Bootgate" started because Fergie was angry at Beckham for being nowhere to be found when Wiltord scored in the FA Cup. He's started to have a history of not getting back either, as Raul showed in the first leg of the CL quarters. Yes, Beckham's free kicks are the best in the world and he crosses well, but he's far from a complete player. I think the comparison I'd go with if I were to compare him to an American athlete is Randy Moss. Sometimes, he looks absolutely fantastic, like nobody in the world can be better. Other times, he appears to take great amounts of time off and loaf in the midfield. That's when I can understand Sir Red Nose's frustration with him.
My honest opinion of Beckham is that he just doesn't impress me very much. Yes he takes great set pieces, I credit him as one of the best in the world but not the best mind you. And occasionally he can have an inspirational performance (i.e. Greece in World Cup qualification) but then again so can anyone. George Best once famously critiqued Beckham and I regret that I can't remember it verbatim but it was something about great set pieces and crosses, occasionally good work ethic, hopeless with his left foot, often goes missing for larges spans, etc. His analysis was spot on, absolutely perfect. Sure I'd take him at Arsenal for his free kicks, crosses and corners, but nothing more. I think scoonie45 has just finished watching "Bend It Like Beckham" or something and some of the Indian girls hero worship rubbed off, poor guy. Give it a few days scoonie and you'll be thinking right again.
havent caught Bend It Like Beckham actually; i just think he's underrated because the media loves killing him. no he's not the best midfielder in the world, but for a guy who's so good i think he gets a lot of flack
IF he showed up to every game like he did in the last 45 minutes of the England - Greece game, then there is no doubt he would be one of the greatest English players ever! However, he is fundamentally NOT that player. Yes, he can strike the ball well with his right foot. But he goes missing for long stretches of the season and individual games. His pulling out of a tackle was the first mis-cue in the first Brazil goal during the World Cup. While other players failed during that sequence, Beckham did what he often does and let the play go past him without much effort. Not only that, but after Brazil scored Beckham disappeared and was unable to do anything offensively. I have no problem with players that are crap but give everything (see Ray Parlour). But I have major issues with players that are very good and don't give half of what they can! Beckham is one of those players! He's a wanker!
I think there are two questions here. First, yes, Beckham is a talented player and would make almost all teams better by his inclusion Second, would I take him at Arsenal? No. His freekicks are his calling card, but Thierry Henry is just fine in that department. Ask the 'Boro keeper. If Gio van Bronckhorst got more playing time and took all our kicks, you'd see he's pretty damn good too. Further, where would Becks play, in place of Freddie? I don't think he would fill a need for us. Another top-notch young striker? That we need. A stud partner for Sol? That we need. A first-class replacement for Seaman? That we need. Another midfielder? Not so much.
I once said that Derek Jeter was the son of Satan and David Beckham was his nephew; I hate the Yankees and I hate Man U, and these two players are the focal points of this hate. That being said, his talents cannot be denied. He has an amazing touch, and his crosses, set pieces, and corners are matched by no one. That being said, I dont think I've ever seen a game--and I dont go out of my way to watch Man U games, mind you--that he really dictated play or just took over. My final verdict: good player that could be great, but I'll prob still hate him. Also, what do you guys think about his possible move to Real? Do you think he'd fit well in their midfield? Personally, after watching the CL match the other day, I think he's straight up outclassed by Zidane and Figo, and dont know how well he'd fit. But Jesus, will that be an amazing side...
I feel as though becks would be more suited in the middle of the pitch rather than on a wing... would be more influential and I recall Sven saying he would use becks in the middle more.. he's a waste on the wing just firing long balls continually... the bloke is a fantastic player and loads better than ole gunnar solskaer IMO...
He is indeed a very good player but he will never be in the Zidane/Figo category (to which Pires may belong too) because of one thing : he cannot dribbe and therefore can only do one thing (which he does close to perfection) : run straight ahead and deliver a (good) cross. He scores free kicks but otherwise he does not score much (less than Figo for example). But still overall he is a very good player.
In the Greece game that has been referred to Becks ran an estimated 10 miles and Ive read the average midfielder runs 6 in a 90 minute match. If he were this focused all the time than he would be the greatest in England but immaturity or notoriety or disraction gets in the way. This lapse of focus is what gets Fergie so fired up.Dont take me wrong, I would take Becks in a second but for the asking price, no way.
No thanks, don't want Beckham at Highbury or Ashburton Grove either! I hear he had a good game at OT against Real, but, he was hopeless in the away leg. He didn't get past Carlos once; because he can't dribble and he's slow. Very good at what he does, when he can be bothered which has not been often this season, and ever such a nice lad, but Real can ave im. I think Fergie dropped him recently because he's not consistant and because ManUre are much more predictable when he plays.