LA Galaxy's former England international David Beckham has said he believes the A-League is on par with the US's Major League Soccer ahead of his side's friendly with Australian club Melbourne Victory on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old former Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan star played in previous Galaxy encounters with A-League opposition Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets.

Beckham said he had been impressed on both occasions particularly by the Sky Blues who beat them 5-3 in 2007.

"That was a really tough game. We kind of got battered really. Every time we’ve played here we expect it to be the same," Beckham told reporters.



“The standard is similar to what it is in the US. The game’s growing and that’s what’s great to see. People around the world are talking about both leagues and that’s a sign of the growth of the game in both countries.”

Galaxy's next opponents Victory are in unconvincing form in the A-League this term with two wins, five draws and two losses from nine matches despite the glamour signing of Socceroo Harry Kewell.

Nonetheless, Beckham said he's expecting another tough assignment against Australian opposition.

“We’re expecting a tough game. Everytime we’ve come here we’ve had difficult games,” Beckham said.

He continued: “We know they [Victory] have players who can cause us many problems and we know obviously they had a disappointing loss on the weekend.

“Harry’s [Kewell] had a successful career and he’s home now so I’m sure he’s content and his family’s content but he’s a winner, he’s still playing at a high level.

“They’re a very strong team, especially playing in front of their own fans. And we know they have a very passionate fan-base."

Meanwihle, on the topic of his own career with his contract at Galaxy expiring and speculation linking him with Paris Saint-Germain, Beckham insisted he remained undecided.

"I said I'd get this season and this tour out of the way and then have some family time and obviously make a big decision," Beckham said.


---

I think the fact we've attracted Beckham here 3 years straight alone tells of the growth of football here. Game starts soon, eagerly anticipate it,
Know of alot of friends going but Apparantly ticket prices for very expensive. Probably around 25-30 thousand people will attend

25-30k ppl? that would be dissapointing. i remember when LA played Sydney a few yrs ago and 80k ppl turned up

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/beckham-bends-it-like-beckham/story-e6frf7jo-1111114979685

Melbourne crowds always turn out however, High prices will keep people away. I know it kept me away. 80$ minimum ticket I think it was

34,500 crowd

Seriously... one club needs to make him a sly offer while he's here. He'd do wonders for football in Oz and he'd love living here too.

I'd agree with him that the top teams are as good as MLS teams, but the difference is depth... The MLS has so many more teams, more money and less struggling teams. The only problem with the A-League is... there aren't many big cities in Australia and NZ, so there's a bit of a limit to expansion, but it will happen and I hope we get close to an 18 team league in the next 20-30 years.

well it seems to have taken a step up this year the aleague. lets hope it continues. speaking of luring a player here..... donovan actually said that he'd love to play here

and they say melb is the sports capital of Australia, only attracting 35k to a beckham game pffttt.

mr-r34 wrote:and they say melb is the sports capital of Australia, only attracting 35k to a beckham game pffttt.

Jelous? minimum price for a ticket was $80, work night. 35k is actually not to bad. Ahh everyone envy's us melbournians. i bet your from Sydney. this isnt even an argument anyway. we all know melbourne is the sporting capital.. ohh not to mention we were voted most liveable city

mr-r34 wrote:and they say melb is the sports capital of Australia, only attracting 35k to a beckham game pffttt.

EPL ticket prices.

mr-r34 wrote:and they say melb is the sports capital of Australia, only attracting 35k to a beckham game pffttt.

Is a Beckham game still supposed to be a sporting event ?

He's right, IMO. I wonder if South Africa's the same.

Didnt know Kewell had moved to the A league

Lord Hispano wrote:He's right, IMO. I wonder if South Africa's the same.

what are u trying to say?

OLpower wrote:

mr-r34 wrote:and they say melb is the sports capital of Australia, only attracting 35k to a beckham game pffttt.

Is a Beckham game still supposed to be a sporting event ?

He was in the Philippines a few days ago.

I met the dude. Awesome lol