Beckham and LA Galaxy

David Beckham certainly seems to have gained a new lease of life recently. Good enough in fact for both his club and country manager to recall him to their respective teams despite stating it was the end of the road for playing for Real Madrid and England.

So what has been the different? Well, the former Real Madrid coach Radomir Antic believes the key to Beckham’s recent revival and for changing the minds of both Capello and McClaren has been his decision to move to the U.S. and sign for LA Galaxy.

Beckham agreed to join the MLS club about 6 months ago now and is due to move at the end of the Spanish League season which finishes in about two weeks., It really doesn’t seem that long ago since the news broke, or is it just me? Where does the time go?

Anyway, Antic is reported to have said, “When Beckham signed for LA Galaxy he forgot all the pressures that were weighing him down.

“He’s been a different man on the field since he made that decision - you can see how much he’s enjoying himself.”

Beckham salutes Bernabeu crowd

He’s got a point! Over the last six months old Golden Balls has dramatically revived a career that looked to be heading for an ignominious end with Los Galacticos, who he joined from Manchester Utd in the summer of 2003.

As I mentioned above, when the he signed for LA Galaxy rather than extend his Real contract, the Spanish club’s coach Fabio Capello announced Beckham would never play for the club again. But some things never quite work out as you expect them to, do they? Injuries forced Capello to rethink his decision and subsequently Beckham has helped Real mount a serious challenge for the La Liga title. Which for Real would be extra special as they would be taking it from their arch rivals Barcelona, who have won it for the last two seasons

It has been in the last two months that Beckham has been key to Real’s title offensive and for heaping the pressure, not only on Barcelona but on The Uefa Cup holders Sevilla and Valencia too.

Real drew 2-2 with Zaragoza last Saturday. Previously, Real had won five games after Beckham returned to the side following injury in April. Crucially, these 5 wins including key victories over title rivals Valencia and Sevilla. All this means that should Real win their final match at home to Mallorca next Sunday it will see them clinch their first title in four years.

Beckham’s Lazarus-like revival with Real then persuaded England coach Steve McClaren to recall the midfielder, having snubbed him after the 2006 World Cup.

Having played against Brazil last week, Beckham played through the pain barrier with an ankle injury and played a key role in England’s 3-0 away win over Estonia, setting up goals for Crouch and Owen.

Antic continued by saying, “Watching Beckham play for England you could see how happy he is at the moment.

“He worked very hard for the team, constantly changed his position and delivered a lot of very dangerous crosses. He has been inspired by the prospect of this new job in the United States.”

And according to Antic, should Real be successful at reclaiming the Spanish title, it will be mainly due to Beckham’s pressence and influence over the last six months.

There has been some talk recently that Real were trying to broker a loan deal with LA Galaxy to retain the services of Beckham. That must be a pretty good indicator as to how well he’s been playing recently. I bet both Capello and Beckham could turn the clock back. I am convinced that given the chance, Beckham’s first choice would be to continue playing at Real Madrid. No disrepect to LA Galaxy, but which is the bigger, more famous club? Let’s face it, they don’t come too much bigger or famous than Los Blancos!

Although I’m sure Posh is looking forward to Rodeo Drive!

For all the latest news on David Beckham please review the following links. I update these news items on Beckham on a daily basis for you or whenever there is a new story about him, which let’s face it is rather often! …..
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