redefining_form
Dec 30 2003, 10:59 AM
Real Madrid midfielder Ivan Helguera has praised the attacking abilities of David Beckham, but claims the England captain is not a patch on Claude Makelele when it comes to defending.
Beckham has impressed everyone in Spain at how quickly he has adapted to life in La Liga, where his willingness to track back and dedicate himself to the defensive duties in midfield have caught the attention as much as his passing ability and prowess from set-pieces.
Helguera does not doubt Beckham's effectiveness going forward but the Spain international has rubbished suggestions the former Manchester United man has filled the gap left by Makelele's departure to Chelsea.
"I can assure you he doesn't reach Makelele's level no matter what people say," said Helguera, who has played alongside both Beckham and Makelele in the centre of Real's midfield.
"He is not as defensive as Makelele," he added in Marca, before going on to highlight Beckham's qualities.
"He has a lot of ability, he helps in defence and has spectacular skill with the ball in attack. He is playing great football.
"You can see he's happy and that allows him to give his best."
Helguera also criticised those who had doubted Beckham's workrate.
"The thing is that at Manchester United in English football, it seemed that he didn't run much and that Manchester beat their rivals with ease.
"However, he always worked hard when he played against us and I don't know how people can say they didn't expect to see the player that they do now."
Beckham has impressed everyone in Spain at how quickly he has adapted to life in La Liga, where his willingness to track back and dedicate himself to the defensive duties in midfield have caught the attention as much as his passing ability and prowess from set-pieces.
Helguera does not doubt Beckham's effectiveness going forward but the Spain international has rubbished suggestions the former Manchester United man has filled the gap left by Makelele's departure to Chelsea.
"I can assure you he doesn't reach Makelele's level no matter what people say," said Helguera, who has played alongside both Beckham and Makelele in the centre of Real's midfield.
"He is not as defensive as Makelele," he added in Marca, before going on to highlight Beckham's qualities.
"He has a lot of ability, he helps in defence and has spectacular skill with the ball in attack. He is playing great football.
"You can see he's happy and that allows him to give his best."
Helguera also criticised those who had doubted Beckham's workrate.
"The thing is that at Manchester United in English football, it seemed that he didn't run much and that Manchester beat their rivals with ease.
"However, he always worked hard when he played against us and I don't know how people can say they didn't expect to see the player that they do now."