CHALK AND CHEESE

Last updated : 21 May 2003 By Editor

Carlos Queiroz believes that it would be difficult to find room in the United starting line up for his Portuguese friend Luis Figo. But he thinks that both Figo and Beckham will be remembered in the football world for a long time to come.

"They play basically in the same position, but tactically they are not so similar," he said.

"Beckham is a great passer, who when he plays a ball seems to have it under remote control to put it where he wants.

"For him, it doesn't matter if the pass is 10, 20, 30 or 40 metres. He has fantastic precision.

"Also Beckham is like a marathon runner. He would be a fantastic athlete. He has a fantastic natural resistance.

"Figo is a player who does not rely so much on the physical side of the game, he has a superior psychological parameter.

"We know that Beckham is capable of crossing without the need to create a lot of space.

"Figo is exactly the opposite. He can happily beat two or three opponents to find the best possible angle for his play.

"They have a common denominator though; they are both great players with a fantastic vision for the game.

"In the history of the modern game their names will be inscribed, they will both earn the right to eternity.

"It would be a headache for us (to play Figo at Manchester United). Perhaps we could switch to playing football with 12 players!"

The praise doesn't stop at those two though. This is what he had to say about SAF.

"He is a great man in all aspects. His competence, his ideas, his knowledge and motivational capabilities.

"He is a great example. To share in his leadership you can learn everyday.

"Sometimes from his enthusiasm and joy he seems like a junior who is just taking his first steps into the game."