Robert O'CarlosDavid Beckham has hit back at Landon Donovan over criticism from the forthcoming book 'The Beckham Experiment' in which Donovan claimed Beckham hadn't shown even the most basic commitment to LA Galaxy, the club which paid his wages and held his registration.
Beckham's response was that Donovan's comments were unprofessional, which may well be true. More than that however, Beckham went on to say that he has played for some of the biggest clubs over his 17 year career and not once had he been criticised for his professionalism.
So I'm throwing a couple of points in for debate about Beckham's selective memory.
:-)
When Manchester United sold Beckham to Madrid, it was because Ferguson had become irritated that Beckham's 'Hollywood' lifestyle, as orchestrated by his new wife, had affected his commitment to his football. Fabio Capello, when managing Real Madrid, famously dropped Beckham citing his questionable commitment to that club.
:-)
Anyone have any thoughts?
12.07.2009
nvrFor the age he is, Beckham is doing pretty well actually. His performance in the national team is not bad when he gets his minutes. Milan was so impressed with him, they tried to extend his loan...So he is not useless.
Beckham was signed to MLS to get media attention, which he did. I reckon Donovan is expecting more from him, like, being a leader, rising the team to next level...Beckham is and was never that type of player.
13.07.2009
FeriAtsI guess MLS is just too low level for Beckham and he doesn't find it in himself to put more effort into it. His priorities are clearly the national team and the short loans he'll spend in Europe. The latter keeps him under Capello's radar.
14.07.2009
ZolaBeebs says that Capello urged Beckham to get more European football. That alone sums up the situation, MLS currently does not challange a player at the level of Becks.
16.07.2009
Robert O'CarlosAs a side issue, it does bring up the topic of whether Beckham should even be getting a look in for the national side. Yes, he can still do a job during the last periods of matches, his crosses are effective and his work rate remains high, but isn't it time England were looking to bring more of the next generation through and giving them more playing time?
:-)
As England should have learnt from the last World Cup, every player that makes the final squad should be fit enough and capable of playing whenever called upon and for however many minutes.
16.07.2009
FeriAtsBut who is to replace David Beckham? Walcott? Lennon? The young ones seem to be quick feeted dribbling types, at the expense of accuracy. Beckham gives you pinpoint crosses, 60 yard passes and set pieces. Anyone who can do that?
17.07.2009
Robert O'CarlosIt's as I said, Beckham can certainly do a job. But it isn't a case of who replaces Beckham. He's used as a replacement himself these days for a dribbling type. Even replacing one player can affect the balance of the team, so do you look for younger Beckham types who can last 90 minutes or try and bring through players that can play in your preferred system?
:-)
At some stage, England will have to start relying on the younger players, and they won't have had the chance to bed in, or even get used to travelling with the squad. Beckham will be 35 at the next World Cup, how effective can he feasibly remain at international level?
19.07.2009
FeriAtsI guess the sole purpose of having U21s is talent development. National team should be a collection of best players available at any given time. Apart from friendlies and maybe games against micronations, we must play best available, reagrdless of their age.
As for Beckham being 35, his biggest asset is not his speed, is it? He'd do just fine.
20.07.2009
CaptainGerardhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8158547.stm
Beckham was booed in his first game after returning from Milan. Yanks surprised me, they know more about football then I thought.
20.07.2009
