Top Three Premier League Players: Number 3: David Beckham

To be honest with you, I could have put Beckham as number one, because whilst at Manchester United, he was at his best.

In his days at Old Trafford, he was the best crosser of the ball in the world, best free-kick taker in the world and possibly the best midfielder in the world. Truth is he still has most of these qualities now, aged 34.

Beckham's first game for Manchester United was in 1992 when he was seventeen years old, and in his time at the club he won six league titles, two FA Cups and one European Cup.

He was to many people, one of the most valuable players in the league and he rose onto the scene in 1996 after scoring from the half way line against Wimbledon. Since then his presence in the first team became vital, averaging just under ten goals a season and racking up an impressive amount of assists.

The way in which he dealt with the abuse he received after the 1998 World Cup is a vital reason why he is in my top three. The abuse he was exposed to made him into a better player and that year he won the treble with Manchester United.

The UEFA Champions League Final in 1999 is remembered because of the two late goals scored by Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunner Solskjaer but they were both as a result of David Beckham corners. Even in the 1996 FA Cup Final Beckham was heavily involved as his corner was the catalyst for Cantona's infamous winning goal. 

The freekicks though was what made him special. The way in which he could (sorry, can) curl his right foot around the ball and make it curl up and over the wall is just amazing and no player, no matter what you say could or can match it consistently.

The Greece freekick for England still lives long in the memory, so does the one against Real Madrid and Everton. In fact I could list all of them because they were that good.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy's arrival in Manchester, made Beckham perform even better. Ruud, was a target man, someone for Beckham to aim for and his long cross field passes and balls into the box would, nine times out of ten be headed into the back of the net by the Dutchman.

Yes there was the odd moment ... the boot incident with Fergie and the sarong incident but that doesnt affect my decision.

The very fact that Becks is still going strong today and will return to AC Milan in January just shows what a great player he was and still is. Beckham is a model professional and a true legend in Premeir League football.