5 former Premier League legends who would make an impact today

#3 David Beckham

David Beckham’s passing was incredibly accurate

Perhaps no player split the football fanbase quite like David Beckham. While he was never the best player in the world – even in his pomp – he was equally never the overrated, preening pretty-boy his detractors made him out to be.

Best positioned in right midfield, Beckham wasn’t the type of player to beat defenders with his dribbling, ala Eden Hazard. But then he never needed to – his passing accuracy was unmatched during his years with Manchester United, particularly with crosses and dead balls.

The statistics speak for themselves – over nine seasons, Beckham assisted in 80 goals. His own goal return of 62 wasn’t bad either.

Those so-called ‘Hollywood passes’ that the likes of Gerrard and Lampard were usually denigrated for trying so often? Beckham was the master of them and rarely did they go awry.

While the game is played, somehow, at an even faster pace these days, a player of Beckham’s passing accuracy would still be successful simply because he could set up goals with one well-timed ball.

He’s maybe the best free-kick taker in Premier League history too, scoring 15 of them in the league during his time at United.