Exceling Through Amazing Becks

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's youngsters can learn from David Beckham when the former England captain trains at London Colney in January.

Beckham will use Arsenal's facilities to stay fit ahead of England's international friendly against Switzerland in February. Wenger expects the arrangement to be mutually beneficial.

"He will come in January to practise with us, occasionally with the first team or the reserves," said Wenger. "He can always give good advice and we will help him to keep fit. The youngsters will look up to him, of course.

"I admire how strong Beckham has been mentally through his career because he went through some tough times. I respect the fact that he has always loved football and he has always shown respect for his managers even when he was dropped. He didn't come out in a silly way, a spoilt way.

"Also, he has always delivered when it was expected of him, he has shown toughness. When he had to score the free-kick in the last minute against Greece [in the crucial World Cup qualifier in October 2001] he put it in the net. It is a sign of mental strength."

So does Wenger expect Beckham to teach Arsenal's young players how to excel from free kicks? Perhaps not. "I think it will be a tough competition for Beckham!" laughed Wenger.

courtesy of arsenal.com