...becks exceles despite off-field rumors...

David Beckham's private life may be the stealing the headlines in England but his performances on the pitch are earning plaudits in Spain.

The Real Madrid midfielder has been in impressive form in recent weeks, following up his man-of-the-match display against Barcelona with another powerful showing in the 2-1 win against Villarreal on Saturday night.

The England captain has been restored to the right side of midfield by coach Wanderley Luxemburgo and the Madrid media have been hugely satisfied with the results.

Diario AS wrote: "David Beckham is convincing everyone. On Saturday against Villarreal he played his most complete game of the season.

"He motivated his team-mates to make them believe in the fightback and took part in the majority of Madrid's moves going forward."

Marca added: "He stood up to be counted despite back problems.

"He played using pain killers against Valencia a few games ago and still has problems."

With Madrid trailing 1-0 to a penalty from Villarreal's Argentinian international Juan Roman Riquelme and needing a win to keep their title hopes alive, it was Beckham who took the game by the scruff of the neck.

With some of his companions looking as if they thought the league was a lost cause, Beckham went into overdrive, dropping back to pick the ball up deep, starting the moves and driving forward powerfully.

He put 15 dangerous crosses into the box and though it was eventually Zinedine Zidane who won the plaudits for his cameo run and cross to set up Ronaldo to score Madrid's equaliser, Beckham's work did not go unnoticed.

Michel Salgado popped up with the winner for a Madrid side who finished the game with nine men following the dismissals of Zidane and Walter Samuel.


source: sportinglife.com