3 April 2013

David Beckham Stars Against Barcelona

As the dust settled on PSG’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Barcelona at the Parc des Princes the debate over Beckham’s influence on the game began.

Some, such as Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, thought the midfielder's contribution had been enough to catapult him straight back in to the England team. Others – rather less generously – suggested PSG had actually improved once he was substituted with 20 minutes left.
Beckham seemed to hold his own against the celebrated Barcelona midfield last night, but he failed to impress leading French sports newspaper L’Equipe.

In the player ratings he was given only three out of 10 – the worst of any player on the pitch. The verdict claimed: ‘He sometimes found some precision with his right foot to create an opening or two. But he didn’t make much impact, he lacked rhythm and he is was sometimes off the pace.

'He lost the ball to allow Barca to open the scoring (38th minute). He was replaced by Verratti (70th), who was more resolute.'

Nevertheless, I think the argument – if indeed there is one – about a return to the England set up remains fatuous. Beckham is no longer an international footballer. It’s as simple as that.

Beckham has already given his country more than it ever asked of him, certainly more than it ever deserved. The memories of his stellar moments remain pin sharp. He has his place in the pantheon and he certainly worked hard for that.

Let us leave it there, though. Let’s not sully the legacy.


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