Canales Daily: Winning Wins Fans, Overcomes Weirdness

David Beckham | AC Milan loan is a strange deal

Thus, what would normally be put down as readjustment to a squad that had changed drastically during his absence was suddenly scrutinized for every bit of possible meaning. A scowl became proof of unhappiness, a missed free kick an argument for Beckham's disdain for Major League Soccer. Despite Beckham's own protestations of commitment to the Galaxy, many remained skeptical.

Yet in a more stable team structure, Beckham has thrived with the Galaxy and is now playing an integral role in helping push the team to the playoffs.

Trust had to be reforged on both the part of the player and the diehard club supporters - and also some of his teammates. Landon Donovan had been the most vocal critic of Beckham's effort last season, as well as his loan deal to AC Milan. It soon became clear that Donovan had poked a tender spot with Beckham - his professional pride.

However, Beckham has found motivation in proving himself before to critics - and he has also had a lot of experience turning boos into cheers.

Though Beckham's overall record in Major League Soccer games is still a losing one at a dismal 11-10-15, only one of his past six matches with the team has been a loss.

"He makes us a better team," said Todd Dunivant, who had missed out on the Galaxy's 2008 fiasco of a season. "I think all the fans can see that now."

Perhaps, in a strange way, Beckham's absence was something of a benefit to the Galaxy. Away from the harsh media glare that he brings, the rest of the players could reforge their team identity and learn how to play well without Beckham.

Beckham acknowledged this after the team's most recent win, in which he had played a crucial role by scoring the winning goal.

"There was a lot of hard work being done before I arrived," Beckham said. "With me coming back into the frame, it's great to see the way things have come together and the togetherness of the team."

In fact, despite being gone for a good part of the season, Beckham seems more a part of the squad than ever before.

Gregg Berhalter's kids were in the locker room after the win versus Chivas USA, shyly greeting their father's famous teammate. Beckham tousled the hair of the little ones, and apologized for departing quickly.

"He has to go play for England," Berhalter explained to the children. "Good luck, David!"

David Beckham | Playing for England is top priority

As it has with the Galaxy, Beckham's role with England has evolved. Some question why he continues to receive the call, but simply put, it happens because he can still contribute. Not the way he once could, but in the right situation, Beckham can make a positive difference in a game for the Three Lions.

"Face the changes," David Bowie once sang, and it may be a small sign of Beckham's new adaptability that he has foregone the superstition he maintained for so long of wearing long sleeves when he played.

"It's been warm," he shrugged when asked about it, acknowledging he had once said he simply wouldn't play in short sleeves.

Beckham had also once been billed as the sport's savior in the United States, but most understand the situation isn't that simple now. In order for the sport to have real credibility in America, it has to be accepted and loved for its own sake, not because a big name or two is involved. That said, Beckham may be growing into a role that suits him better - as a quality player for a team that is a legitimate championship contender.

Of course, it unusual to have a player plan out a loan deal in advance that leaves his club hanging for half the season. Fans have a right to feel disgruntled about that.

Yet there's no denying that the arrangement may work out for the Galaxy - and if it does, that will be in large part due to the work Beckham has done to fit in and bring the best of what he does to the squad during the time he is with them. If Beckham's time with Milan in fact motivates him not only to prove himself still useful to England, but also to return with renewed vigor to the Galaxy, the strangeness of it all can be overcome.

Sure, the situation with Beckham at the Galaxy right now isn't what anyone originally planned or expected, but few things work out exactly according to the original vision. Plans change. That doesn't mean they can't still be successful in the end.

Andrea Canales is chief editor of Goal.com North America

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