Galaxy coach wants star signing in central midfield
LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Galaxy coach Frank Yallop is not sure when David Beckham is coming, but he knows where the former English captain is going.
The former Canadian international and Ipswich Town veteran wants to see Beckham in central midfield for his club in every Major League Soccer match for the Galaxy.
"I'm not giving too much away, but I would think he'll play centrally for us," Yallop said. "We need him on the ball as much as possible, and that's the best place to play him."
Yallop is excited to have the 31-year-old Englishman coming to his lineup no later than July after Beckham's contract expires at Real Madrid and his blockbuster five-year deal for $250 million with the US club begins.
The Spanish club has no plans to send Beckham onto the field again but he might not join the Galaxy in time for the April start of the MLS campaign, with the MLS and the Galaxy not certain of paying for an early transfer.
If Beckham does not arrive early, he would miss the first three months of the MLS season. The Galaxy, who missed the playoffs last year after winning the league crown in 2005, must do well early to contend even if Beckham is absent.
"We've got to get off to a good start," Yallop said.
"It's a big hole, but it's going to be there waiting for (Beckham). I feel confident we can get off to a good start to the season and welcome him when he does come in."
Yallop sees Beckham as a guiding influence in the locker room for a young squad as well as a stabilizing force on the field.
"I think that's what he brings to any team," Yallop said. "You look at what he's done with the clubs he has been at and for England, with his work rate and his enthusiasm, that's going to rub off on our young guys."
AFP
(China Daily 01/16/2007 page23)
