David Beckham the player

[TRUERED89]

Correct. And the reason he could do that repeatedly was that he used to practice it until he could do that.
In my opinion a vastly under rated player.
Not on the same level as Ronaldo but still very good.

Ronaldo is obviously superior when it comes to scoring and dribbling, but passing and crossing there's not much debate. The set piece GOAT..

 

[soaphroniscuss]

No, Denis' cuff has the better actual memory here. Beckham was one of the most dependable United players for most of his career. However, you could see the changes in him back in the day.

That was when we didn't know too much about his decaying relationship with Alex Ferguson - unless you were actually close to the Beckhams or a staff member. I am not saying Beckham gave up doing his best - no way - but he did seem distracted as supporters we were hearing stories about him in the dressing room with Alex Ferguson.

There were also growing media stories and some of them were definitely planted by Beckham's PR. He was not an innocent, 'I only want to play football' type after he became focused on branding himself - he was a decent, unremarkable bloke except for his outstanding football skills and of course what some consider 'model' looks although I always thought he would look different with his natural brown hair and his eyes have always been small.

And with Victoria to encourage him he made himself a brand and was happy to plaster his face and make money everywhere. He used and still uses the media just as they used him. But as the old wiley Ferguson commented in a number of ways, if you do that you are open and make complications for yourself.

When I was reading all the speculation about Real Madrid and it had been going on for some time, I never thought it was initially United's plan to sell him - Beckham got what he wanted there and because of the problems with Alex Ferguson could blame him and United.

On the pitch he did look distracted sometimes in the last two seasons and his performances changed to some extent. He reminded me of Eri Le Roi - another man who gave his best for United but in the last two seasons didn't perform to the level we had come to expect and looked as if he were elsewhere at times.

Beckham wasn't sold at his peak - I think he had passed that although he performed well for Real Madrid and at least busted his guts to play while other over-paid Galacticos looked bored. However, Becks' set piece mastery didn't fade. I bet he could come on in a game at key moments and still score or assist somebody else.

I agree with most of that.

Spoiler: but... small eyes

This is a football forum so I probably shouldn't mention it, but small eyes are generally considered more masculine/attractive and thus those types of eyes are common among male models.

 

[ryansgirl]

This is a football forum so I probably shouldn't mention it, but small eyes are generally considered more masculine/attractive and thus those types of eyes are common among male models.
[/SPOILER]

I suppose that's correct. Just saying I think the whole model Beckham thing was over-hyped. I personally don't find eyes that vanish deep into the sockets and look small that attractive on men. It's why if you ask me to choose between the young John Lennon and the young Paul McCartney, handsome though Lennon was I would always choose Paul Mac.

I did like the Beckham buzzcut look. Now that was very photogenic. It's interesting to see how much Cruz resembles Becks at the same age - a bit gumby-ish but will likely outgrow that. Romeo is a mix of both families and also seems the most mature unlike the oafish Brooklyn who seems to be turning into the archetypal spoilt rich-kid waster.

Something that was so impressive about Beckham was his will to win and his confidence on the pitch which was never cocky when he first played for the team - it was just the outcome of a young lad who was determined to play for United and was not fazed by it.

I remember reading somewhere that when he was new to the team, there was some social occasion and he drank milk instead of alcohol. Later some journalist referred to his habit of eating junk food but Beckham seems to have been naturally given a strong constitution. There is no indication his eating habits and staying out late affected his game.

 

[Matt007a]

What we wouldn't give to have him on our right wing today.

Best crosser in the history of the game and probably top 5 set piece taker as well. Also the fittest player at United at the time, he had endless stamina up and down that wing and didn't shy away from helping Neville defend the other way.

 

[ryansgirl]

I'd say he and Keano were both the fittest players at that time. Yet they also managed to make the ball do a lot of the work as well. God, we were so lucky then and maybe didn't sometimes appreciate fully what we were seeing.

 

[jesperjaap]

No, Denis' cuff has the better actual memory here. Beckham was one of the most dependable United players for most of his career. However, you could see the changes in him back in the day.

That was when we didn't know too much about his decaying relationship with Alex Ferguson - unless you were actually close to the Beckhams or a staff member. I am not saying Beckham gave up doing his best - no way - but he did seem distracted as supporters we were hearing stories about him in the dressing room with Alex Ferguson.

There were also growing media stories and some of them were definitely planted by Beckham's PR. He was not an innocent, 'I only want to play football' type after he became focused on branding himself - he was a decent, unremarkable bloke except for his outstanding football skills and of course what some consider 'model' looks although I always thought he would look different with his natural brown hair and his eyes have always been small.

And with Victoria to encourage him he made himself a brand and was happy to plaster his face and make money everywhere. He used and still uses the media just as they used him. But as the old wiley Ferguson commented in a number of ways, if you do that you are open and make complications for yourself.

When I was reading all the speculation about Real Madrid and it had been going on for some time, I never thought it was initially United's plan to sell him - Beckham got what he wanted there and because of the problems with Alex Ferguson could blame him and United.

On the pitch he did look distracted sometimes in the last two seasons and his performances changed to some extent. He reminded me of Eri Le Roi - another man who gave his best for United but in the last two seasons didn't perform to the level we had come to expect and looked as if he were elsewhere at times.

Beckham wasn't sold at his peak - I think he had passed that although he performed well for Real Madrid and at least busted his guts to play while other over-paid Galacticos looked bored. However, Becks' set piece mastery didn't fade. I bet he could come on in a game at key moments and still score or assist somebody else.

Disagree. Think the pr machine had over taken the football performances, I agree there....but that was the publicity machine and not the football being past his peak. I think Ferguson didn tlike the PR and Beckham fo rthe first time had serious competition in SOlkjear who was performing superbly at right wing, probably his peak time at the club. But I dont think the performances of Beckham were any weaker, just the eye on them

 

[Devils11]

Giggs was not an average crosser. He was very good in fact which is one of the reasons he is one of the top assisters ever. Beckham was just hands down the best crosser of all time, so Giggs might have been average in comparison. Giggs was a better crosser than any who has played for us since then.

I have watched Utd for 30+ years now. He wasn't really that good of crosser. He wasn't even the assigned deadball taker in the first team. You can't really quote his assists because he had played the games for over 20 odd years. In fact his shooting was also not that good. Lee Sharpe or Nani has better crossing and shooting than him. But Giggs was so dangerous with his pace and running at players with our many counter attacks in the 90s.

 

[Red Devil's Advocate]

The guy who made me fall in love with United, 17 years ago. Very underrated, even by the fans. Look at those pass and cross montages, and those finishes. Picked Nistelrooy and Ronaldo from miles away, and that ball would loop and land as if it were laser guided, every f***ing single time.

 

[Saffron]

The guy who made me fall in love with United, 17 years ago. Very underrated, even by the fans. Look at those pass and cross montages, and those finishes. Picked Nistelrooy and Ronaldo from miles away, and that ball would loop and land as if it were laser guided, every f***ing single time.

Beckham never played a single game with Ronaldo.

 

[roonster09]

Beckham never played a single game with Ronaldo.

I think he meant Brazilian Ronaldo.

 

[soaphroniscuss]

Beckham never played a single game with Ronaldo.

"Thicc" Ronaldo

 

[GifLord]

This guy has a ton of old Becks compilation vids

 

[VeevaVee]

Beckham never played a single game with Ronaldo.

One of his the best passes ever was to Ronaldo.

 

[vangagal]

Beckham never played a single game with Ronaldo.

Jeez. You never see the original Ronaldo played, dont you?

 

[Luke1995]

How good was him as a youngster ? Say, until 1996 or 1997 ? Giggs and Scholes were sent into the team in the early nineties while Becks didn't get a full season until 1995, I always find that weird

 

[SportingCP96]

His crossing ability is absolutely beautiful and his free-kicks as well. I feel nostalgia when I think of David Beckham. Great player as well.

 

[AfroBuffalo]

Was a baller, played class at Madrid too

 

[2cents]

How good was him as a youngster ? Say, until 1996 or 1997 ? Giggs and Scholes were sent into the team in the early nineties while Becks didn't get a full season until 1995, I always find that weird

Nah, Scholes broke through same time as Beckham really. Butt and G. Neville slightly earlier, Giggs a few seasons earlier.

 

[Saffron]

Jeez. You never see the original Ronaldo played, dont you?

Of course I watched thicc Ronaldo. How could you miss him?

What’s interesting about Becks is he almost always used to hit the ball with the inside of his foot. Which gave him greater accuracy, but it’s not normal to be able to generate that much force with the inside. That’s why he raised his left arm so much - for counter balance.

Genius, really.

 

[Devils11]

How good was him as a youngster ? Say, until 1996 or 1997 ? Giggs and Scholes were sent into the team in the early nineties while Becks didn't get a full season until 1995, I always find that weird

Becks was on loan at lower divison early of his career (was it Bolton?). After the disappointing 1995 season when we lost the league and FA cup final, Fergie sold Ince, Hughes and Kanchelskis. He choose to entrust the youth team players ( Becks, Scholes, Butt, Nevilles) instead of buying star players. Of course the kids had Hansen eating his own words and we won the Double 1996.

But it was 1996-97 season where he really came to life, fully established himself in the right midfield. His 60y goal on the opening day was a taste of things to come. He got his first England cap and voted Young player of the season.

Disaster strike at the 1998 world cup when he was sent off stupidly vs Argentina and England were eliminated. He was crucified by the media and fans all over the country and became the target of criticism and verbal abuse around the grounds. He could had easily given up and ask for a move out of the country. But he didn't. Then 1999 happened.

1999 was perhaps the pinnacle of Becks career. His outstanding performances throughout the season was recognised by his peer when his was voted 2nd place in both the Ballon d'Or and World Player of the Year( i guess many of you didn't know right? ).

And his villians to hero act was completed when he score in injury time with his trademark freekick to secure a place in the 2002 World Cup vs Greece in England's final qualifying game.

His ability to play his games at the highest standard amid all those immense pressures and critics partly because of his celebrity status has to be commended. ( He was often judge twice as much as Giggs or Scholes. If he had a poor game and everyone would be saying Becks is distracted so and so...) One of the best players the game have ever seen, arguably the best crossers of all time.

 

[Luke1995]

Becks was on loan at lower divison early of his career (was it Bolton?). After the disappointing 1995 season when we lost the league and FA cup final, Fergie sold Ince, Hughes and Kanchelskis. He choose to entrust the youth team players ( Becks, Scholes, Butt, Nevilles) instead of buying star players. Of course the kids had Hansen eating his own words and we won the Double 1996.

But it was 1996-97 season where he really came to life, fully established himself in the right midfield. His 60y goal on the opening day was a taste of things to come. He got his first England cap and voted Young player of the season.

Disaster strike at the 1998 world cup when he was sent off stupidly vs Argentina and England were eliminated. He was crucified by the media and fans all over the country and became the target of criticism and verbal abuse around the grounds. He could had easily given up and ask for a move out of the country. But he didn't. Then 1999 happened.

1999 was perhaps the pinnacle of Becks career. His outstanding performances throughout the season was recognised by his peer when his was voted 2nd place in both the Ballon d'Or and World Player of the Year( i guess many of you didn't know right? ).

And his villians to hero act was completed when he score in injury time with his trademark freekick to secure a place in the 2002 World Cup vs Greece in England's final qualifying game.

His ability to play his games at the highest standard amid all those immense pressures and critics partly because of his celebrity status has to be commended. ( He was often judge twice as much as Giggs or Scholes. If he had a poor game and everyone would be saying Becks is distracted so and so...) One of the best players the game have ever seen, arguably the best crossers of all time.

Very interesting read, I couldn't really follow his career that much, certainly his celebrity didn't help public perception but he was very hard working even in his latter years. While most players retire from international duty in their early thirthies he was still trying to play a world cup at 35, such a shame he got injured just before the call-up. Some even thought he should have gone to Olympics in 2012. We badly need someone with half of his ability to cross a ball...

 

[Jeffthered]

People say he was overrated but he wasn’t. Always in control, creative, ridiculously consistent. Exactly what we need on the right now!

Best right foot in football. Ever. There have been better right footed players but none have had a right foot as consistently good as his. For a certain period, world class. His CV and the clubs he played for in Europe says it all.

Now, now... I love Becks, but right foot better than er.. Zidane, Ronaldhino.. Ronaldo.. his was no worst, but not 'better'.

 

[Jeffthered]

Becks was on loan at lower divison early of his career (was it Bolton?). After the disappointing 1995 season when we lost the league and FA cup final, Fergie sold Ince, Hughes and Kanchelskis. He choose to entrust the youth team players ( Becks, Scholes, Butt, Nevilles) instead of buying star players. Of course the kids had Hansen eating his own words and we won the Double 1996.

But it was 1996-97 season where he really came to life, fully established himself in the right midfield. His 60y goal on the opening day was a taste of things to come. He got his first England cap and voted Young player of the season.

Disaster strike at the 1998 world cup when he was sent off stupidly vs Argentina and England were eliminated. He was crucified by the media and fans all over the country and became the target of criticism and verbal abuse around the grounds. He could had easily given up and ask for a move out of the country. But he didn't. Then 1999 happened.

1999 was perhaps the pinnacle of Becks career. His outstanding performances throughout the season was recognised by his peer when his was voted 2nd place in both the Ballon d'Or and World Player of the Year( i guess many of you didn't know right? ).

And his villians to hero act was completed when he score in injury time with his trademark freekick to secure a place in the 2002 World Cup vs Greece in England's final qualifying game.

His ability to play his games at the highest standard amid all those immense pressures and critics partly because of his celebrity status has to be commended. ( He was often judge twice as much as Giggs or Scholes. If he had a poor game and everyone would be saying Becks is distracted so and so...) One of the best players the game have ever seen, arguably the best crossers of all time.

As I said, I absolutely love Becks. But this is nonsense.

He would not get even get into a best of Machester United squad from the last 50 years (and I appreciate that would be a hell of a squad by the way..).

David Beckham was a briliant player at times, a match-winner, goal-scorer, intelligent player, hungry, hard-working. Seek out a video of a goal that Andy Cole scored away at Coventry. Beckham's role in that goal, to me (alongside his outstanding ability to manipulate a football...) captures everything that I loved about the guy. But he was a limited player. Alongside Scholes, Keane and Giggs, he would (for me..) always trail in fourth.

But he lost his way with the PR machine, and had to go. CR7 followed him, and in a way, it was good for football that this happened, because the whole football world was getting far too carried away with the Beckham hype machine.

 

[Gazza]

Becks lost something in his game when he started developing upper body strength and filled out a bit. To me, he lost mobility when he did that and that was also the time he started talking about wanting to play more centrally.

 

[AKDevil]

Now, now... I love Becks, but right foot better than er.. Zidane, Ronaldhino.. Ronaldo.. his was no worst, but not 'better'.

That’s my point. There have been better right footed players like those three but theirs not as good as his. Think Beckham and you quite literally think what he did purely with his right foot. The others, different things. If I wanted a ball put on spot, Becks one of first players that comes to mind.

 

[Devils11]

Ironically, it was his commitment to England International cause as Captain that was the catalyst for his fallout with Fergie. Fergie was very furious when Becks play in 2002 world cup, barely recovering from his broken metatarsal. He was adamant Becks should be resting for the summer and getting fit for the new season instead he came back unfit.

Later that same season, Becks was sideline with an injury during the international week and the England squad was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen, something that Becks would never missed in his life. What should be the proudest moment of his life soon turn into the worst when he return to Old Trafford. Fergie berated him for turning up at London and question his loyalty to United.

It was the start of the end of his career right up to the boot kicking incident where Becks refuse to apologise for his poor performance. Fergie made his mind up there and then, Becks is getting out of hand and have to be sold.

In terms of abilities and influences, he right up there with the likes of Cantonas and Keanos. He was the star from 96 to 99. Scholes only truly shine after 2000 when he play in midfield . No doubt if Becks had stay at Utd throughout his career, he would be appreciated more by some of the fans.

 

[The Corinthian]

Sorry about bumping an old thread but thought this was worth a share:

 

[Dan_F]

Becks was on loan at lower divison early of his career (was it Bolton?). After the disappointing 1995 season when we lost the league and FA cup final, Fergie sold Ince, Hughes and Kanchelskis. He choose to entrust the youth team players ( Becks, Scholes, Butt, Nevilles) instead of buying star players. Of course the kids had Hansen eating his own words and we won the Double 1996.

But it was 1996-97 season where he really came to life, fully established himself in the right midfield. His 60y goal on the opening day was a taste of things to come. He got his first England cap and voted Young player of the season.

Disaster strike at the 1998 world cup when he was sent off stupidly vs Argentina and England were eliminated. He was crucified by the media and fans all over the country and became the target of criticism and verbal abuse around the grounds. He could had easily given up and ask for a move out of the country. But he didn't. Then 1999 happened.

1999 was perhaps the pinnacle of Becks career. His outstanding performances throughout the season was recognised by his peer when his was voted 2nd place in both the Ballon d'Or and World Player of the Year( i guess many of you didn't know right? ).

And his villians to hero act was completed when he score in injury time with his trademark freekick to secure a place in the 2002 World Cup vs Greece in England's final qualifying game.

His ability to play his games at the highest standard amid all those immense pressures and critics partly because of his celebrity status has to be commended. ( He was often judge twice as much as Giggs or Scholes. If he had a poor game and everyone would be saying Becks is distracted so and so...) One of the best players the game have ever seen, arguably the best crossers of all time.

I’m not sure anyone is going to need a run down of Beckham’s career from someone who can’t remember he was on loan at PNE

 

[stw2022]

Best crosser of the ball ever.

 

[Escobar]

We should never have sold him

 

[mitchmouse]

Best crosser of the ball ever.

agreed

 

[mitchmouse]

We should never have sold him

agreed

 

[fps]

What we wouldn't give to have him on our right wing today.

Best crosser in the history of the game and probably top 5 set piece taker as well. Also the fittest player at United at the time, he had endless stamina up and down that wing and didn't shy away from helping Neville defend the other way.

At some point the art of crossing will make a comeback, but players aren’t being trained in it at the moment. Eventually centre backs will have faced so few good crosses they won’t know what to do when they see them, and a new wave of attacking play will spring up. (Please? I’m so bored of seeing inverted wingers sizing up a packed penalty box and playing it square).

 

[fps]

Becks lost something in his game when he started developing upper body strength and filled out a bit. To me, he lost mobility when he did that and that was also the time he started talking about wanting to play more centrally.

Totally agree with this. And this is something where the modelling might truly have been detrimental to his football.

 

[MancunianAngels]

He's criminally underrated and I've no idea why.

 

[RC89]

Love how gracious he's always been about United and Fergie. You'd expect a little bit of bitterness towards Fergie maybe but he never said a single word or even hinted at any frustration with SAF. A classy person.

 

[clarkydaz]

At some point the art of crossing will make a comeback, but players aren’t being trained in it at the moment. Eventually centre backs will have faced so few good crosses they won’t know what to do when they see them, and a new wave of attacking play will spring up. (Please? I’m so bored of seeing inverted wingers sizing up a packed penalty box and playing it square).

Don't think our attackers comprehend the notion of crossing for someone else to score.

 

[Jordi Cruyff 99]

I can't stand Beckham as a person but he was a great player. He did the technical things exceptionally well to a degree that is seldom seen in 2023. A star player in any team.

 

[The Corinthian]

He's criminally underrated and I've no idea why.

He should have won the Ballon D'or in 99.

 

[Red the Bear]

He should have won the Ballon D'or in 99.

I wish he did, his current reputation would have certainly benefited from it.