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Calcio Debate: Should David Beckham Stay At Milan For Good?
Following David Beckham’s impressive debut against Roma last weekend, Adrian Del Monte ponders whether 'Golden Balls' should turn his loan from LA Galaxy into something a little more permanent...
15-Jan-2009 8:50:37 PM
Milan travelled to the Italian capital to face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico last weekend. The match itself was extremely crucial in terms of the race for the Scudetto, but this became mere trivia, as all eyes were on new recruit David Beckham, who recently joined the Rossoneri on loan from the MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy. The Englishman has joined the club for a three month period, in order to keep match fit and to preserve his international career, with Sunday’s clash being his first official one with the club.
Inspiration
Prior to this clash, the issue on the minds of most concerned whether or not Beckham could co-exist in the same line-up as Milan’s midfield maestro, Andrea Pirlo, due to the fact that the pair are similar in style. Despite not being at his absolute best against Roma, Beckham managed to do more good than bad on his competitive debut and had a notably positive impact on his team-mates, with youngster Alexandre Pato in particular producing his performance of the season.
Despite his outshining of Pirlo himself, Beckham still garnered criticism for being wasteful and no longer having the class to perform at the highest level. However, considering it was his first competitive match since the end of October, his performance was more than respectable and his ability to get into dangerous positions going forward was commendable. Having said this, though, his world class crossing was not in effect - though having the diminutive Pato as the only striker on the pitch made matters a little more difficult in that regard.
With time, it is more than possible that Beckham could rediscover some of his best form in the fashion capital of Europe, which would only be to their benefit. Despite his style of play not relying on so much pace or stamina, the one stumbling block for Milan is that this would be yet another 30-plus to add to their ranks. With the likes of Yoann Gourcuff stunning French football and a return to the Rossoneri on the cards - is that not where they should be concentrating their resources?
Too Many Cooks
For all the Beckham-mania, what also became apparent on Sunday was that Clarence Seedorf and Massimo Ambrosini are losing their legs, as their uninspiring performances - the latter's an embarrassing catastrophe coming off the bench - ultimately let down their side. Seedorf played the entire 90 minutes and looked a shadow of his former self throughout, as he struggled to get the simple things right.
Ambrosini, who was brought on after 72 minutes for Ronaldinho, managed to misplace a pass less tha a minute after taking to the field, which allowed Roma to regain possession and go on to score an equaliser. Though always eager to get forward, he does not have the creativity to pose a genuine, consistent threat and he could have even cost the Diavoli the remaining point they were left with due to his initial mistake.
Prior to Milan officially announcing that they had secured the services of Beckham late last year, many questioned where exactly he would fit in to Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded and fairly rigid formation. The midfield is certainly not an area in which the Rossoneri were in urgent need of improvement, but if players such as Seedorf and Ambro continue to falter, Beckham could be valuable to Milan, if only for another season or two.
Who Else But Beckham?
Despite the fact that Beckham is a world class player, who would undoubtedly bring a wealth of experience and confidence to the club, his age is obviously an issue. With all things consodered, the Rossoneri could well be better off looking elsewhere if they wish to add another name to their already impressive list of midfielders. This is not to say that I am not a fan of Beckham and don’t respect him as a player, but it is safe to say that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is well and truly past his best - a breed of which Milan have far too many already.
The Milanese would be better suited to someone such as Yoann Gourcuff, or a more expensive and unlikely option such as Marek Hamsik, who has excelled with Napoli this term. The Diavoli's decision-making must be incredibly meticulous in dealing with 'Golden Balls', as it may have a drastic impact on their immediate future, beyond the obvious benefit of another star name joining their ranks.
LA Galaxy have always maintained that Beckham will only be staying in Italy for the three month loan period specified and no longer, however there have been many - including the player himself - who have suggested that this may not be the case. The former captain of the English national team is set to return to the MLS strugglers in March, in time for the start of the new MLS season, but he may be open to a longer stay in Italy, with Milan appearing eager to keep him on board, a decision that could prove to be more of a gamble than they realise at this moment.
What are your views on this topic? Would Beckham be a good addition to the Milan squad? Does he have the ability to improve the club, or is he better off returning to America to finish his career as he planned? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Adrian Del Monte, Goal.com?
Inspiration
Prior to this clash, the issue on the minds of most concerned whether or not Beckham could co-exist in the same line-up as Milan’s midfield maestro, Andrea Pirlo, due to the fact that the pair are similar in style. Despite not being at his absolute best against Roma, Beckham managed to do more good than bad on his competitive debut and had a notably positive impact on his team-mates, with youngster Alexandre Pato in particular producing his performance of the season.
Despite his outshining of Pirlo himself, Beckham still garnered criticism for being wasteful and no longer having the class to perform at the highest level. However, considering it was his first competitive match since the end of October, his performance was more than respectable and his ability to get into dangerous positions going forward was commendable. Having said this, though, his world class crossing was not in effect - though having the diminutive Pato as the only striker on the pitch made matters a little more difficult in that regard.
With time, it is more than possible that Beckham could rediscover some of his best form in the fashion capital of Europe, which would only be to their benefit. Despite his style of play not relying on so much pace or stamina, the one stumbling block for Milan is that this would be yet another 30-plus to add to their ranks. With the likes of Yoann Gourcuff stunning French football and a return to the Rossoneri on the cards - is that not where they should be concentrating their resources?
Too Many Cooks
For all the Beckham-mania, what also became apparent on Sunday was that Clarence Seedorf and Massimo Ambrosini are losing their legs, as their uninspiring performances - the latter's an embarrassing catastrophe coming off the bench - ultimately let down their side. Seedorf played the entire 90 minutes and looked a shadow of his former self throughout, as he struggled to get the simple things right.
Ambrosini, who was brought on after 72 minutes for Ronaldinho, managed to misplace a pass less tha a minute after taking to the field, which allowed Roma to regain possession and go on to score an equaliser. Though always eager to get forward, he does not have the creativity to pose a genuine, consistent threat and he could have even cost the Diavoli the remaining point they were left with due to his initial mistake.
Prior to Milan officially announcing that they had secured the services of Beckham late last year, many questioned where exactly he would fit in to Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded and fairly rigid formation. The midfield is certainly not an area in which the Rossoneri were in urgent need of improvement, but if players such as Seedorf and Ambro continue to falter, Beckham could be valuable to Milan, if only for another season or two.
Who Else But Beckham?
Despite the fact that Beckham is a world class player, who would undoubtedly bring a wealth of experience and confidence to the club, his age is obviously an issue. With all things consodered, the Rossoneri could well be better off looking elsewhere if they wish to add another name to their already impressive list of midfielders. This is not to say that I am not a fan of Beckham and don’t respect him as a player, but it is safe to say that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is well and truly past his best - a breed of which Milan have far too many already.
The Milanese would be better suited to someone such as Yoann Gourcuff, or a more expensive and unlikely option such as Marek Hamsik, who has excelled with Napoli this term. The Diavoli's decision-making must be incredibly meticulous in dealing with 'Golden Balls', as it may have a drastic impact on their immediate future, beyond the obvious benefit of another star name joining their ranks.
LA Galaxy have always maintained that Beckham will only be staying in Italy for the three month loan period specified and no longer, however there have been many - including the player himself - who have suggested that this may not be the case. The former captain of the English national team is set to return to the MLS strugglers in March, in time for the start of the new MLS season, but he may be open to a longer stay in Italy, with Milan appearing eager to keep him on board, a decision that could prove to be more of a gamble than they realise at this moment.
What are your views on this topic? Would Beckham be a good addition to the Milan squad? Does he have the ability to improve the club, or is he better off returning to America to finish his career as he planned? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Adrian Del Monte, Goal.com?
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