Whilst I’m not usually one to point a compliment in David Beckham’s direction, I’m also not one to miss out on an opportunity to poke at Chris Waddle’s stupidity.
Everybody’s least favourite footballing pundit is always good for a sound-bite, but with his recent comments on David Beckham, he seems to have excelled himself.
First, the back-ground, which most of us know by now: Beckham retired last Thursday at 38-years-old. He won 62 caps for England. He’s played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy and cash-rich PSG.
He has enjoyed a fantastic career. Unfortunately for Becks, his off-the-pitch endorsements will always overshadow his achievements.
David Beckham suffered the misfortune of being born a handsome man. His pretty boy image has stuck with him throughout his career and this, along with big-money commercial deals, has earned him a certain reputation.
But can’t we separate this from his ability as a footballer? Champion drivel-spouter Chris Waddle can’t seem to do so. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said:
‘You can go down a list of footballers since the Premier League began and I don’t think David Beckham would be in the first 1,000.’
Wait, what? Chris, do you realize how big a number that is? He went on to say:
“He never had a trick, wasn’t particularly quick, but he was very good at set-pieces and deliveries. He made chances and made goals and was fantastic for clubs. Now people will be talking about him and saying, “How great?” I would say, “How good?”’
Whilst I wont quibble with these points, it’s worth noting that trickery and pace are not requirements for being a top player. Waddle doesn’t give Beckham enough credit for being a genuine game-winner.
We’re not talking about the Beckham of recent years. We’re talking about the Becks who lit up Old Trafford and who saved England on a couple of occasions.
Even to this day, very few players are able to pass the ball about like Beckham. Pick a spot on anywhere on the pitch and he’ll be able to ping the ball with accuracy into this area.
A word too for his set-piece ability, which at one stage was entirely unrivalled: how many other footballers have a movie named after their ability to move the ball?
He may not be in the top 100, but he’s certainly in the top 500.
I’m not sure why Chris Waddle feels the need to speak up against an extremely, humble, gracious and hard-working footballer. The two men are worlds apart when it comes to both class and footballing ability
The only quality they both share? Inability to form a natural sentence.
What’s your take? Was Waddle too harsh on David Beckham?
Please follow @ThePerfectPass for more football related action!
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
Chris Waddle is a moron. David Beckham is easily one of the best 100 footballers of his generation, and that is just all there is to it.