By Duncan Mackay
November 20 – David Beckham is the most influential figure in English sport since Bobby Moore who has helped revive the fortunes in the United States, former Manchester City and England star Rodney Marsh says today in a new column for insideworldfootball.
Marsh, one of the most charismatic and popular footballers ever to play in England, writes that Beckham’s appearance for Los Angeles Galaxy in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Final against Real Salt Lake in Seattle on Sunday marks a landmark moment for the sport in the US.
He writes: ”The MLS rose from the ashes of the NASL (North American Soccer League) and slowly it has grown and is respected.”
Marsh was one of the early pioneers of English players who played in the NASL, proving also to be one of the most successful, scoring 41 goals in only 87 appearances for Tampa Bay Rowdies.
He still splits his time between England and Florida and has watched with close interest how Beckham has helped popularise the sport in the US.
Marsh said: ”Beckham faces one of his biggest challenges on Sunday in the final of the Major League Soccer Championship.
“He once again will be the main attraction in what many people believe will be the rebirth of domestic soccer in the United States.
“If it does, it appears, they only have one man to thank. Sir ‘Golden Balls’.”
Read the full article by clicking here.
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