Beckham and Arsenal: A formidable partnership

When you have always watched the fluid game of Gunners, when you have prayed the worst for their enemies and when you have followed them from your TV viewing days it is hardly surprising that other teams disinterest you. However, there is one player whom I have adored and eagerly watched, the player is none other than David Beckham. There have been many a times that Gunners have been tormented by his pin-point crossing and his swirling free kicks, yet nobody is a bigger admirer of him than Arsene Wenger. Since Beckham’s contract at MLS team LA Galaxy is coming to end , in my opinion it is right time to make a move to sign him.

Beckham has time and again repeated his interest in returning to premier league, of late he has been associated with teams like QPR and Spurs, but I think Arsenal have an advantage over their rivals if they decide to sign him out. He has earlier trained with Arsenal squad to achieve match fitness and was praised by Arsene Wenger for his work ethics. AW reportedly said about his work ethics that – ” he was the first to enter the ground and the last one to leave.” Time and again AW has praised David for his professionalism. He refused to sign Beckham last year because he had lot of options for there were already Fabregas and Nasri marshaling the midfield. Now that times have changed and Arsenal are still in a rebuilding phase in my opinion AW should go ahead and sign the seasoned campaigner.

There are numerous advantages of having a player of caliber and stature like Beckham, Arsenal at present are much less creative in midfield thanks to departure of Nasri, Fabregas. Players like Wilshere, Ramsey are still fringe players and they have a lot to learn, and Beckham can help these youngsters to grow. Beckham has done and seen it all, he has won all major trophies with Manchester United, plied his trade at Spain,Italy and USA his experience and guidance can help lot of youngsters. Players like Walcott, Wilshere, Ramsey, Frimpong, Song still have lot to learn and therein lies the importance of David Beckham. The aforesaid players have pace but have poor finishing and lack pin point accuracy of passing as well as crossing. When I started watching Premier League I would always marvel the way David used to deliver his crosses, he was one of the reasons that Manchester United used to score so many goals from corners, set pieces and air balls.

David Beckham is a proven player for set pieces, be it corners, free kicks or penalties. Seeing the recent Gunner team I can safely say that except RVP no player is better than him in set pieces. Arsenal this season have wasted numerous opportunities to score goals from set pieces, they have tried players ranging from Arteta to Santos to take free kicks but with no success. The only goal that came from free kick was scored by RVP in their match against Stoke City. Seeing Beckham at an end of free kick would bring much more optimism among Gooners and it is bound to increase the Gunners set piece conversion rate. Apart from his expertise at taking free kicks, David can deliver accurate through lobs and quality air balls and passes. I cannot help but imagine him in my Arsenal team, with him in midfield with Arteta and other young lads it is bound to send a shiver down the opponents neck. Another reason to pick him up is that he can share the responsibility of RVP, Van Persie has been brilliant for team this season but when he doesn’t play there is lack of leadership in team. Beckham has in past captained the English side and in Van Persie’s absence can handle job of a captian very well. Beckham has always been praised by managers and players across the world for his work ethics, he can form a very successful partnership with the French Magician.

Beckham has reportedly expressed his desire to return to England and there is no better club than Arsenal that can offer him this opportunity. His relations with Alex Ferguson have made sure that he will never return to Old Trafford, and given his admiration for the Arsenal it is more likely that he will choose Arsenal as his preferred destination this winter. However, there are certain issues that might have to be resolved; first of all it is very likely that David will have to take a steep pay cut for AW is known to be a very economical operator. Secondly, it might happen that he may not operate in his favorite position in the midfield due to options available to AW. Thirdly, Arsenal will have to fight neck to neck with Spurs and QPR to get sign of Beckham. Spurs boss Redknapp enjoys a very healthy relationship with the player and has made no secrets that he might sign him to bolster his side,QPR on the other hand can offer him high wages due to the recent financial takeover. It remains to be seen whether AW will shed his inhibitions and make his biggest sign of all time or will he let another talented player go to the local rivals. But as of now the dream of seeing Beckham in Red and White will live in this gooner’s mind.