Beckham in the news again as USA star launches stinging attack

There is no doubt that David Beckham divides opinion amongst fans. Many believe he is fine footballer who has been a wonderful ambassador for England and indeed for the game of football and many believe he is an overrated footballer who yearns constant publicity.

Agree

I fall firmly into the former category, but whether you are with me or in the other corner, I thought we could all agree on one thing. I thought you could ask fans of Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan or England about Beckham the player and you would receive universal agreement that the man worked incredibly hard at his game and for the team and was a dedicated professional.

I have never heard anyone criticise his effort or his commitment. Until now, that is.

His LA Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan has launched an amazing attack on Beckham in a new book called, ‘The Beckham experiment’.

Wishes

Donovan makes it quite clear that Beckham, who spent a controversial period on loan at AC Milan last season, against the wishes of all in the USA, has let down everyone at the Galaxy.

“All that we care about is that he committed to us. As time has gone on, that has not been the case on the field or off the field. Does the fact that he earns that much more money come into it? Yeah. If someone’s paying you more than anybody in the league, more than double anybody in the league, the least we expect is that you show up to every game, whether you are suspended or not. Show up and train hard, show up and play hard.

“Maybe he’s not a leader, maybe he’s not a captain. Fair enough. But at a minimum, you should bust your ass every day and that hasn’t happened. I don’t think that’s too much for us to expect. Especially when he’s brought all this on us.

“When David first came, I believed he was committed to what he was doing. He cared. He wanted to do well. He wanted the team and the league to do well. Somewhere along the way, and in my mind it coincides with Ruud going, he just flipped a switch and said, ‘Uh-huh, I’m not doing it anymore’.”

Donovan refers to the departure of Ruud Gullit as coach at the Galaxy, a man who Beckham seemed to trust and admire. Beckham had endured a miserable first season at the Galaxy after joining in 2007. The side failed to make the MLS play-offs, Beckham spent much of the season on the treatment table and Gullit resigned before the end of the season.

Respond

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Beckham has declined to respond to the comments through his spokesperson.

If a slightly frosty reception awaits Beckham in the Galaxy dressing rooms, that could be nothing compared to what he can expect from a number of the club’s fans. Sunil Gulati, the president of the US Soccer Federation expects Beckham to receive a hostile reception.

“That is inevitable, but in the end he is a good player and a soccer icon, and I think he’ll help his team. But are there going to be some people that are upset? Sure.”

I can understand the anger at Beckham for going to AC Milan, but I find it amazing that anyone is suggesting that his commitment is lacking. He will always give 100% to the cause on the pitch and I am surprised that it is felt not be the case in LA.

Struggle

Beckham’s first game back for the Galaxy is pencilled in to be against the New York Red Bulls on 16th July. It sounds as though he faces an uphill struggle to win over his team-mates and the fans.