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DAVID BECKHAM Born on: 2
May 1975 |
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DAVID BECKHAM Born on: 2
May 1975 |
| David Beckham is truly a
world class midfielder which United can proudly claim to possess.
Beckham, now world renowned, is best known for his delicate curling free-kicks and superb crossing ability. He is the regular corner and free-kick taker for United. Beckham has boundless supply of energy and stamina which allows him to work at his optimum rate, often racing up and down the right wing. His work-rate is always 100%, as he tracks back to defend and cover the defence also. One can really appreciate the precision and range of Beckham's passing. He can whip a ball which soars for 50-60 yards and land right at the feet of his teammates. His great vision allows him to do so and many goals are set up with just a direct through ball like this. Like typical great players, David had a temperamental character. He used to be impetuous and does silly things like making obscence signs to the fans, when they insulted his family. As David grew older he learnt to curb his temper and became more mature since the France '98 incident. David shot to fame in the season 96-97 when he scored United's 3rd goal against Wimbledon with an audacious lob from 55 yards, on the opening day of the Premiership campaign. Since then David had captured the hearts of United fans with more devastating strikes and classic free-kicks, and was hailed as a '2nd Bobby Charlton'. His promising performances earned him a place in the English national team, and he made his debut for England against Moldova in one of the World Cup '98 qualifiers. That season David won the PFA young player of the year award and also the Premiership title, and a fruitful season indeed for one of England's rising stars then. 97-98 was a 'boring' season by the standards of Beckham. United went empty handed even Becks tried his best to inspire United. Injuries to the team, especially Roy Keane, proved detrimental to the club. 98-99 was perhaps one of the most eventful seasons Becks was going to have in his career. David suffered countless abuse from angry English fans who blamed him for their national team's exit in the '98 world cup, when he was sent off for a wild kick at Diego Simeone. Death threats, flying bottles aimed at him during matches, humiliating taunts about his wife and family were some of the extremes David had to face. There were even speculation that David might move abroad should life become too overwhelming.
He scored the crucial winner against Finland, a powerful low drive on the edge of the box. Becks scored twice against the Greeks on free-kicks, but the last qualification game at Old Trafford proved to be more crucial. England needed at least a draw to ensure automatic qualification, and they're 1-2 down with inury time left.
David Beckham came in 2nd for the 2001 FIFA world player of the year award, the 2nd consecutive time he came in second. Last year David was also nominated but lost out third to the winner Zinedine Zidane. Sparkling performances in England shirts, as well as consistently playing well for Man U have made David deserved the nomination. David has been
taking on the scoring responsibility for United this season, as he scored
on the opening day with a trademark free kick at Fulham. He also scored
the last minute winner against Lille in Europe. Becks signs new contract Becks has finally signed a new deal with Manchester United in May 2002, just before the World Cup which will make him the world's highest-paid footballer.The midfielder has agreed a three-year contract worth about ｣90,000 a week following a year of negotiations with the Old Trafford club. The package Beckham has been offered is believed to include ｣70,000 a week in basic pay and ｣20,000 in "image rights". This represents a 300% salary increase for the 27-year-old England captain."I was never really worried about the contract but I did want it all sorted out before the World Cup. "Sir Alex Ferguson had made it very clear that he wanted me to be an important part of the club's future and his word was good enough for me." "The bond between myself and the club and the fans is stronger than ever before. All the players at Manchester United feel that special bond and there is not a day passes when I do not feel very lucky and privileged to be part of such a fantastic club."Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said he was delighted to have secured the services of the midfielder. "He is a terrific player who has played a big part in the team's successes and with his new deal signed we can now settle down to enjoying the next few years with David as an important part of the team," he said. |
However David
worked hard to improve his game and he helped United win the unprecedented
Treble (Premiership, FA Cup, and the European Cup). David had 23 assists
in the whole season, the most in the squad. From the right flank he sent
in numerous crosses of pinpoint accuracy, often for Dwight Yorke to head
home. David was recognised as the most deadly crosser of the ball in the
country, and he scored crucial goals from free kicks to rescue either
United from defeats or score the match winning goal. Beckham痴
performances for United in Europe also saw him voted Most Valuable Player
and Best Midfielder in the UEFA Champions League in 1999. 
Year 2001 is the
year David turned from national disgrace to national hero. Sven Goran
Eriksson named Becks as captain of the England team that beat Spain 3-0 in
February 2001. He seemed to be inspired by the new responsibility given to
him and became even better. To quote him, "Leading my country is something
that has helped me to progress as a person and as a player." He also said
before the Greek game "I have a bit more responsibility being captain of
England". 
As England was awarded
their last chance,.a free-kick from 25 yards out, it was Beckham
territory. Beckham stepped up and soared a shot that curled from the right
to the left over a wall of Greek defenders and into the net to the right
of 'keeper Antonis Nikopolidis. Beckham had almost single-handedly given
England a place in the World Cup 2002. 