Publicity You can literally go walk down the street and ask someone who is the first person they think of when they think of football. More often than not they will say David Beckham. A move of someone who is as recognized and who is followed by millions upon millions of football fans, worldwide, would be massive for Arsenal. Not only would it boost confidence around the club for having such a high profile name added to their ranks, it would also sell out both their home and away games, because Mr. Beckham is the face of English football. There would also be talks on the negative side, especially from the red half of Manchester, most likely remarking on him being a "traitor" or something along those lines. Nonetheless, it would create even more hype for Arsenal. Leadership Arsenal are in a crucial period where they not only need talent, but leaders as well. Having failed to find this since the glory days of Patrick Viera's rein, I believe Beckham would be a perfect fit for this role. He may not be quite as fit as he used to be, and has had his fair share of knocks in recent years, but he has led many teams. Many, high-caliber, successful teams. Beckham knows the inner workings of English, Spanish, Italian and American soccer. Needless to say, he knows different styles of play and has pretty much seen it all. Add to the fact that he has captained an England side a few times as well, then you pretty much have a well-traveled, deeply enriched player who could lead your side back to its former glory and standing. Skill Being brought up under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson as one of Fergie's Fledglings means that the man has quite a bit of skill. Not only that, he demonstrates it quite often. He is one of the best distributors and crossers of the ball of this current generation. He has published books on the science of how he kicks and how distributes the ball. It certainly is a work of art to behold. Arsenal could use his vast knowledge of distribution to their advantage, with the massive amount of youthful speed they have on the wings as well as to support a goal-hungry Van Persie in dire need of proper support play. A Teacher If there is anything the youthful Arsenal need, it is someone with experience. A teacher, if you will. Beckham possesses these qualities, as he has opened many camps to teach future generations of aspiring soccer players to learn as he has learned. This experience in teaching, as well as his experiences with so many top class teams could really be of use to the exuberant, young Arsenal, as well as a primer for those who have been there for a while. I'm looking at you, Van Persie. Set Piece Dominance Ah, yes. What David Beckham is truly known for. His free kicks. Yes, Beckham's set-piece ability is a thing of legends now-a-days, arguably his most legendary moment from a free kick coming against Greece in 2002. There has even been movie made about how great it is (albeit, a pretty bad movie). Arsenal are not known for their dominance from set pieces. Sure, like most teams, they get their oft free kick in now and again, but it's not something that is consistent with them. With every team Beckham has played for, every free kick has been an opportunity to score. With this ability of his, Arsenal could add yet another prong to their threat to the goal mouth. Especially in games against high foul count opponents, such as Stoke City or Wolverhampton.
When he trained with us I was looking forward to seeing him sign for us, I think he could offer a lot to our team in being someone the youngsters can look up to, great for morale. As a squad player we could do far worse, I would prefer to have got him than Benayoun for example. always a danger from set pieces, shirt sales, it would've been a win win. Certainly no need to start with him but he could do a job.
Ten years ago he was a worldbeater, even 3 years ago he would have been worth a gamble, but at 36 his stock is on the floor. Great ambassador that he's been, his playing days at the top level are done.
I disagree, but there you go. Just to pick up on a few points though: Arsenal are in a crucial period where they not only need talent, but leaders as well. We have something like 9 or 10 international captains in our team. We have leaders now. the man has quite a bit of skill. Not true. He can make a yard to cross the ball and that's about it. Free kicks - could add yet another prong to their threat to the goal mouth. VP has a decent record of scoring direct free kicks. Becks crossing would be a real bonus to a team that can head the ball, unfortunately we can't. I would have taken Beckham a few years back, but not now. Much as he was a World Class player, he no longer has it unfortunately and would not fit in with our style of play.
RVP freekicks have been terrible for about 2 years now, i'm not saying we get him and start him over theo or anytthing, but a squad player/ impact player can come on near the end of games and provide some leadership, which with all these internation captains, we still lack.
I think in the early 00's the face of english football was beckham, but ever since he moved to madrid it became rooney. Gradually, though, it's going to become Wilshere. Unless a new prospect emerges pretty soon (maybe Oxocube) Wilshere's gonna be the name on all the little kids' shirts.
You were so proud of that drivel, that you put it in your signature . What a strange little man you must be!
EXACTLY! I reckon he could have changed our fortunes in that horrible phase we had and went without a win for a long time and gave away the league despite being arguably best team at that time. There was nobody to keep a cool head and a couple of years later he did really well for AC Milan when he played for them. Less than a year before he came to train with us he had a great second-half of a season with Real Madrid and was instrumental in them winning the league in 07. We had no crosser on the pitch to play high balls to Adebayor when we simply couldn't break down the smaller teams with our passing. Well, missed opportunity I guess. Right now Beckham wouldn't benefit us, his crossing and set pieces will stay fantastic forever but I don't think he has the fitness to keep up in the Prem anymore.
Beckham didn't go to Real Madrid in 2007 and was not therefore instrumental in them winning the league
I've always rated beckahm but i dont think he would suit our system and he really is too old. If we want to add a little experience I would suggest: Didier Drogba. He wont want to stay as an impact player for Chelsea who are currently favouring Torres. He's a proven winner and on his day is completely un-playable. i also think him and RVP could work up a good partnership.
I was a big fan of signing Beckham before he went to LA, I felt then he had plenty to offer and would have been a great presence around the training ground/locker room, but that was 2008 when he still had teh ability to play at the top, it's now almost 2012 and he's approaching 37 and sadly the clock stops for no-one. Fantastic ambassador that he's been, everyone has a shelf life....
