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.