- Every now and then, someone asks me who my favourite football player is. I always firmly answer "David Beckham". Most of the time, I get a response in disgust, showing that they can't believe such answer comes out from a guy like me. They usually reply," I can believe if the answer coming from a girl, but from a guy? He is not as skillful as Ronaldo, can not dribble like Giggs, not as intelligent as Kaka"-

I do agree if Beckham does not have mesmerizing skills like Ronaldo, finishing touches as Inzaghi, incredible dribble like Giggs or intelligence of Kaka, but I do not have the slightest doubt that Beckham is still my favourite player. The logic is simple. If one day my sons or daughters choose football as their way to earn a living or as their favourite ways spending past time, I do not expect them to have the talent like Ronaldinho ( well, unless I marry Ronaldinho's sister), but I hope they have the work ethic of Beckham.

For me, it's always your attitude which determines your altitude, not aptitude. For the past eight years, I have watched and read about Beckham's perfect work ethic on the field and on training sessions. He never fails to follow the ball during defense and offense (remember the distance he covered during Champs League against Inter?), he kept rushing to the corner when his team is down (Champs league 99 final?), he continue for extra training session with Cantona to master his set pieces (you'll find this info in almost every Beckham's book). You may never be born with talent, but you can always have this kind of work ethic.

Beckham keeps things simple and he perfects those things. I remembered in one of the matches, the live commentator said “Simple pass from Beckham. He keeps thing simple and he really good at it". Not so many people pay attention to simple and basic things. They tend to go for glorious action. Beckham best asset is his passing and cross. A winger, most of the time tries to dazzle pas the defender in front of him. He may get applause or a "wow" from spectators but most of the time they fail to deliver a good cross to their team-mates and of course disappoints them. Beckham did not let his team-mates disappointed, he directly crosses the ball for them and get them involved in the game. For me, the perseverance to master basic and simple things is admirable cause most of the time those things are taken for granted. Those who master those things are those who really understand what they're doing.

Beckham work-rate is undeniable. He runs covering the whole ground, for both offense and defense. He is never a first class tackler but he chases the ball from the opponent all over the field. He runs catching the ball for the fast break that his team developed, He always rushes to take free-kick, corner when his team is down. You will never see him lazy walking in the field without any intention chasing the ball. In training, I am sure that he is no less enthusiastic than in the field. As proofs, the perfect free-kick does not come easy and he is always in a perfect shape.

Finally, Beckham's determination is awesome. So many times, in his career he shows that all his critics are wrong. Start in 1999, Booed in every corner in every pitch in England except Old Trafford, he took the two corners results in goal which gave Manchester United treble which is still too elusive to be repeated. He was a villain turn hero for England. Stupid reckless tackle in 1998 turns him into villain. In Euro 2000, if I recall correctly only one England's goal did not come from his passes. In 2002, as captain, he scored from last minute free kick to help England to qualify to Japan and Korea. In the same year, he coolly slots the penalty to give England a win against Argentina. In 2003, considered surplus to Manchester United, he scored twice against Real Madrid to almost help MU beat Madrid in Champions League Quarter Final. Last but not least, this year may be the most difficult year for him. Dropped from England Team, just to comeback and inspire the national team to beat Estonia. Dropped from Real Madrid, just to comeback and inspire Madrid to get their first major trophy in four years, without Zidane, Figo and Ronaldo. For me, Beckham determination gives me inspiration to always comeback and proofs those who criticize me that they are wrong.

For most people, Beckham is just a celebrity cum average football (or should I call soccer now?) player who cheated on his wife and not deserved to be England captain. But for me, he's not only an exceptionally good football player (he is always a football player first and celebrity next) but also a good role model and leader. I believe he will succeed as football ambassador in a country that knows football as soccer.

Catlio
I'm a big Manchester United fan but I'm a huge David Beckham's fan.