Now that Beckham's first MLS season is over, sports writers and other experts can fully judge his performance and impact. Martin Rogers, and experienced English sports writer now based in Los Angeles, has done just that. He recently wrote a report card for Beckham's first MLS season.
As expected, Beckham received high marks in the financial and image categories. Since his arrival, MLS games are now being broadcast internationally and the Galaxy have regularly drawn sell-out crowds. Other big names like Thierry Henry are also now contemplating moves to Major League Soccer.
The largest criticism were pointed at Beckham's fitness level and responsibility. Martin talks of David's poor decision to play back-to-back matches for LA and England that were only one day and thousands of miles apart while he was still trying to overcome an ankle injury. This poor decision most likely was a large factor in the injury to Beckham's knee that kept him sidelined during the Galaxy's playoff run.
Overall, Beckham received a grade of B-. This isn't terrible, considering he played an entire season with Real Madrid before joining the Galaxy. With actual time to rest and recover this off season, Beckham should be able to log much more playing time next season and get LA back into the playoffs.
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