After suffering strained ankle ligaments towards the end of the European season, Beckham has conceded that any showing in tonight’s ‘World Series’ fixture is likely to be restricted to a 10 minute cameo. With the primary objective of avoiding a recurrence of the injury, Mourinho has promised to ‘go easy’ on the midfielder, but Beckham’s technique itself represents the biggest risk, especially from trademark dead-ball situations.
The brokers of the Beckham deal - Galaxy, the MLS, AEG, and 19, keen to protect their long-term investment will be sure to wrap the former England captain in cotton wool. Already generating $10 million in sales of the ‘Beckham 23’ jersey before arriving in the States, all concerned parties will be eager to build momentum. This long-term vision is in complete contrast with the NASL circus of the 1970s which saw New York Cosmos officials spray-paint over a patchy Randall’s Island pitch in preparation for Pelé’s debut.
Galaxy languishing in the Western Standings table with a poultry 13 points from 12 games similarities can be drawn with the Cosmos during Pelé’s arrival. The greatest player in the world was unable to succeed on his own and required the assistance of other imports such as Giorgio Chinaglia and Franz Beckenbauer, before the Cosmos were transformed into a winning machine. A poor performance in the coming games could see Galaxy coach Frank Yallop replaced, with rumours of Fabio Capello reuniting with Beckham. The lure of the Galaxy with Beckham and Capello could attract further ex-galacticos such as Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo, and Raúl and see attendances rocket.
So, despite an early injury setback, the Beckham-Galaxy story is beginning to follow the script. - Source: 90° of the beautiful game
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