I have never been comfortable with the whole David Beckham hype-machine, not-to-mention my natural revulsion towards his desperate and talentless wife, but as a footballer he often performs above his ability. So good luck to him in the States.
He’s a decent footballer with an outstanding right-foot. From set-pieces he is up there with the best (although he isn’t as good as several among the last generation, players such as Gianfranco Zola and SiniÅ¡a Mihajlović), and he has great vision. But what separates Beckham from the chaff is his work rate and ability to deliver for England. Beckham has given more to the national team than any modern player, and current wasters like Frank Lampard could learn a lot from his example.
I look forward to Zhisou’s comments on the Real Mardrid title win (of which Becks had a contribution). Madrid have played some of the worst football I have ever seen at the Bernabeu, yet they have still shown moments of beauty (see Guti’s sublime performance against Seville), and, as we always say, the league doesn’t lie.
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Real won because everyone else was worse - not a great year for the top teams in La Liga, but they held on to the UEFA Cup and dominated the latter stages of that shambles of a competition, so there is strength in depth - a lot of good teams, no great teams (this year at least).
It will be interesting to see what they do about Capello - not that he´s really the problem.
Well Seville played some great football, but they dropped points whenever the top two slipped. Valencia have the wonderful David Villa, but they have always had great players in the past and flattered to deceive.
I think the statements from Calderon, re keeping Beckham because of some non-existant clause, highlights that little has changed at Real and that they live survive on hype. They need a new culture, not a new manager.
The first team isn’t that big, and it’s not that bad. Robinho is overrated, and I think Gago will be much better received. It’s also a younger team than people think.
The board should stick with Capello, sell Raul, and buy David Villa, Carlos Tevez, and Joaquin.
Oh, and if they really want to crack the Champions League… Michael Essien - for my money the best player in the world.