"Beck" to the Future: Betting on David Beckham in Los Angeles

Some say he's only gone to America for the money.

Some say he'll never change public perception about soccer in the States.

But although David Beckham has his doubters, there's no man on the planet with a keener knack for turning everything he touches to gold.

There are plenty of more skillful players out there, but there are NONE who manage to grab people's attention like Becks. Wherever he goes, he gets a movie-star reception—and his sheer marketability makes him a dream signing for ANY club in the world.

Beckham has an almost hypnotic quality about him. If you're flicking through a magazine at the doctor's office and notice an article about him, chances are you'll pause to read it!

I'm a huge Manchester United fan, and when we lost Beckham it was like losing a member of the family. His move to Real Madrid was so hyped that it was even rumoured his physical would be covered live on television.

Watching Beckham on a football pitch is almost like watching a mythical figure in live action—fairytale endings seem to follow him wherever he goes. If it hadn't been for ONE stroke of bad fortune last season, he could have been hoisting the MLS Cup with the LA Galaxy.

Before I get too many comments about one man's not making a team, and reminders that Beckham hardly played last season, let me be clear about my point:

When "Goldenballs" laces up his boots, magic happens.

England fans will forever remember that night at Old Trafford when the Three Lions needed a draw to qualify for the World Cup Finals. They were down 2-1 heading into stoppage time, and won a free kick.

Beckham had taken upwards of a dozen free kicks in the match and missed them all. As he placed the ball into position for this one, the commentator set the scene:

"If David Beckham scores this, the roof will come off. This has to be the last chance!"

Becks delivered in trademark fashion, sent the fans crazy, and cemented himself as England's saviour.

The announcer's reaction?

"I don't believe it, David Beckham scores the goal to take England to the World Cup Finals....GIVE THAT MAN A KNIGHTHOOD!"

Beckham had a troubled first year with the Galaxy, but you can bet your bottom dollar that when the new season rolls around, all eyes will be once again on one man.

And I for one certainly wouldn't bet against his being a hero in Los Angeles.