Real Madrid ace Beckham worth 'two Makeleles'

David Beckham is being rated as more valuable to Real Madrid than former player Claude Makelele.

The England skipper returned from his injury on Saturday to help Real to victory over Athletic Bilbao.

AS said Beckham "showed great professionalism and a magnificent work ethic" and "formed a great creative partnership with Zidane and also tackled like Makelele".

The report continued: "Beckham does the work of two players - and he was injured as well."

For his part, Beckham said after the match: "Physically I'm not at my best, but I woke up this morning feeling good - although I must admit I didn't think I would play."

"It is very important we won today as it gives us a big morale boost."