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Former Liverpool & Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier lauds David Beckham amidst Paris-Saint Germain speculation
The Frenchman has hailed the passing skill and calming influence of the ex-Manchester United icon, whilst a media furore regarding his future continues to rage
27 Dec 2011 14:49:00
By Joe Wright
Getty Images
Gerard Houllier has lauded LA Galaxy star David Beckham amidst mounting speculation surrounding his future, claiming he “never saw better than him” in his position.
French side Paris Saint-Germain appear to be at the front of the queue for the former England captain's signature as the midfielder nears the end of his contract with his MLS club.
Former France boss Houllier has now added weight to the speculation linking the 36-year-old to a move to the French capital, claiming that Beckham is the best player of his type he has seen.
Houllier told France Football: “He is a decisive player and very strong mentally.
“In the important matches, he always was there in the last or the penultimate pass, on the free kicks or the corners.
"In the final of the Champions League in 1999 or in the match against Greece in 2001, but there were many others of it.
“He is somebody who has an effectiveness and an exceptional trajectory on all that is center, inversions of play and diagonals.
"In the accuracy, in the precision, the timing also, he is diabolic and I never saw better than him, technically in this field.”
Beckham became a global superstar both on and off the pitch from an early stage in his career and is now one of the most recognisable figures around the world.
Houllier has praised the ex-AC Milan loanee for his handling of such stardom, claiming that his inherent good nature and calming influence were fundamental to Fabio Capello’s decision to take him to the World Cup in 2010, even though he was unable to play.
“He became a star, an icon with sometimes all the constraints which go with, but we would forget of it almost that he is an adorable guy, attaching and deeply nice,” Houllier continued.
“[He is] somebody who can put the young people at ease in a group and who thinks always collective. If Capello had thought of taking him to the World Cup it is that because he has a true role and a real influence.”
Although Beckham himself has yet to make a firm decision on his future, there has been frenzied reporting in the French media over a proposed switch to Ligue 1’s capital club.
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French side Paris Saint-Germain appear to be at the front of the queue for the former England captain's signature as the midfielder nears the end of his contract with his MLS club.
Former France boss Houllier has now added weight to the speculation linking the 36-year-old to a move to the French capital, claiming that Beckham is the best player of his type he has seen.
Houllier told France Football: “He is a decisive player and very strong mentally.
“In the important matches, he always was there in the last or the penultimate pass, on the free kicks or the corners.
"In the final of the Champions League in 1999 or in the match against Greece in 2001, but there were many others of it.
“He is somebody who has an effectiveness and an exceptional trajectory on all that is center, inversions of play and diagonals.
"In the accuracy, in the precision, the timing also, he is diabolic and I never saw better than him, technically in this field.”
Beckham became a global superstar both on and off the pitch from an early stage in his career and is now one of the most recognisable figures around the world.
Houllier has praised the ex-AC Milan loanee for his handling of such stardom, claiming that his inherent good nature and calming influence were fundamental to Fabio Capello’s decision to take him to the World Cup in 2010, even though he was unable to play.
“He became a star, an icon with sometimes all the constraints which go with, but we would forget of it almost that he is an adorable guy, attaching and deeply nice,” Houllier continued.
“[He is] somebody who can put the young people at ease in a group and who thinks always collective. If Capello had thought of taking him to the World Cup it is that because he has a true role and a real influence.”
Although Beckham himself has yet to make a firm decision on his future, there has been frenzied reporting in the French media over a proposed switch to Ligue 1’s capital club.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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