"When it came to football Beckham was what is sometimes called a "one trick pony" - great at free kicks and long passes, not much cop at anything else"

Seeing as that was his main role in the team, and the one he most enjoys - so what?

Beckham might not be able to match some of the mighty intellects that are displayed here on the Cat, but the's the best crosser of the ball and taker of free kicks in the world. He has an incredible ability to judge distance, read a game and anticipate the actions of his teammates, and then deliver the ball to them in a manner that is both accurate for the strikers and panics defenders.

His ability to inspire a team by his mere presence was demonstrated last time he played for England, and who can forget the world cup qualifier against Greece at Old Trafford when he single-handedly kept England in the game and then scored of the free-kick in extra-time - arguably one of the best and most crucial goals ever scored during an England game. His workrate might have declined with age, but he's a long way from being past it.

Shame he went to America, where he'll earn pots of wedge but is essentially wasted. He should have gone to the Villa.