Makelele better defender than Becks: Helguera

Real Madrid midfielder Ivan Helguera has heaped praise on the attacking abilities of David Beckham, but claims the England captain is not a patch on Claude Makelele when it comes to defending.

Beckham has impressed everyone in Spain at how quickly he has adapted to life in La Liga, where his willingness to track back and dedicate himself to the defensive duties in midfield have caught the attention as much as his passing ability and prowess from set pieces.

Helguera does not doubt Beckham’s effectiveness going forward but the Spain international has rubbished suggestions the former Manchester United man has filled the gap left by Makelele’s departure to Chelsea.

“I can assure you he does not reach Makelele’s level no matter what people say,” said Helguera, who has played alongside both Beckham and Makelele in the centre of Real’s midfield.

“He is not as defensive as Makelele,” he added in Marca, before going on to highlight Beckham’s qualities.