David Beckham v Bobby Moore

LAST night in Seville, David Beckham equalled Bobby Moore’s record of 108 England caps (not including keepers).

It’s a fine achievement by Becks, and one that inevitably promps the comparisons between Goldenballs and the late, great Moore.

Comparing players from different eras is pointless, but also fun.

In terms of playing ability - all that matters really - the majority of England fans will always pick Moore over Beckham. Some say Becks isn’t fit to lace Moore’s boots, a harsh assessment of Dave’s talents.

The bald facts are these:

ABILITY Moore was a world-class central defender who played in an era when there was less emphasis on pace and power than today. He lacked pace but his reading of the game was immaculate. Beckham has played at the highest level for more than a decade, but unlike Moore, at his peak he was not truly world-class; instead, one aspect of his game - dead-ball delivery - is world-class. Moore wins this contest.

SILVERWARE Moore lifted a World Cup - Beckham will never do that. Indeed, Beckham often underperformed in major tournaments. Moore wins again.

WORK ETHIC Both men score highly here. Moore used to train on his days off (often to sweat out the booze from the night before, admittedly) and Beckham is frequently praised for his attitude in training. A tie.

DISCIPLINE Pele hailed Moore as the fairest defender he faced. Beckham is not a dirty player but he is prone to moments of petulance, as evidenced at the 1998 World Cup, when he was sent off against Argentina, for kicking out at Diego Simeone. Another win for Moore.

LIFESTYLE Moore never had the chance to become a global brand like Beckham, but that’s not to say he wouldn’t have jumped at the chance to boost his profile and bank balance - Moore was modest but he liked to party and he had his own glamorous WAG, in the form of first wife Tina. Beckham wins - just ask his accountant.

VERDICT We get the heroes we deserve, and both men are shining examples of the very different ages in which they excelled. But even if Beckham ends up winning a 109th cap, he’ll never equal the achievements of Moore or inspire as much affection. Bobby wins this one. Sorry Dave.

Anorak

Posted: 12th, February 2009 | In: Sports Comments (6) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink