Beckham praised by team-mates

WEB EXCLUSIVE

DAVID Beckham's team-mates at LA Galaxy have praised the Englishman on what he has done for the Major League Soccer team.

Beckham is seen as a marketing machine, and that fact alone was perceived as the main reason behind LA Galaxy's owner Philip Anschutz's decision to bring the man dubbed `Goldenballs' to the MLS.

Yet Chris Klein, one of the most experienced players in the MLS after playing more than 300 games, says that Beckham brings a lot more than publicity to the team.

"He's a great leader," Klein told Sunday News.

"He's not a guy that's very vocal on the pitch but he leads by example.

"It's fantastic to be able to play with him, truly an inspiration."

Eddie Lewis, a midfielder who joined the Galaxy in August after nine years in the English game, believes Beckham has brought a whole wealth of experience to the team.

"He lends his experience to the young guys in the team," Lewis said.

"He's great from a market stand-point but he's also a super player and a fantastic guy."

In America, just as in New Zealand, soccer has limited prestige in sporting coverage.

Yet it is clear to both Klein and Lewis that Beckham has promoted the sport to another level, a task which he takes to with humility.

"I think he knew what he was doing when he came over here," Lewis said.

"He's not just a player but an ambassador for the game.

"He draws a massive appeal across a whole wide spectrum not just the soccer fans. It helps develop the game in a lot of places.

"That's a hard job but he does great at it."

"We come from a place where soccer doesn't have that rich history," Klein added.

"If we can get our brand out there, then it's encouraging for us."

Despite the obvious attention Beckham receives, Klein revealed there is no jealousy just amazement at the fanfare Beckham creates.

"You see it time and time again but it's still a surreal experience," said Klein.

"It doesn't matter if we're in New Zealand or China or the US, people seem to flock wherever he goes.

"You can't argue with what he's done and is doing for the sport there's no question soccer has got bigger because of David Beckham."

 

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