Can Beckham prove the catalyst that AC Milan so desperately need?

With David Beckham the new AC Milan number 32 officially unveiled to the AC Milan fans on 21st December before the Milan, Udinese fixture. I ask- what effect the veteran England midfielder will have on an ailing Milan side?Arriving with Senor Beckham is a new level of media attention not seen in Milanello for a number of years. His talents are unquestioned and with a glittering career behind him, playing for two of the games giants, he returns to Europe, from the USA to join a third.

Milan at this point are in a somewhat disaffected state, ravaged by injuries to key players, losing ground in the title race, struggling in Europe and a with string of unconvincing performances, there have been calls of crisis. Can Beckham drag this fallen giant from the depths just as he did during his final season with Real Madrid?

It can be argued Milan need a right-sided midfielder, Rino Gatusso had been deployed on the right side of a three man midfield, though he is not an attacking threat. The marauding wing back Zambrotta, provides the threat down the right. Ronaldinho drifts, Kaka is best played in the centre and Seedorf likes to cut in from the left, thus Beckham has a real opportunity to establish himself in the Milan side.

What can he offer Milan? Most people want players playing on the wing to take people on or to coin a phrase ‘beat a man.' Beckham is not this man, but he can deliver a ball into the penalty area like no one else, he doesn't need to beat his man. As a dead ball specialist, I don't think he will get an opportunity especially when arguably the worlds greatest dead-ball expert in Andrea Pirlo an automatic first choice in the same team.

He is apparently only there to keep his fitness up and remain in contention for an England call up, I am of the opinion he still wants to prove he can perform at the highest level, rising to this challenge is something I envisage he will most definitely do. His first experience in the San Siro was a fantastic one as Milan crushed Udinese 5-1 with Beckham and family in the stands. The Brand Beckham effect may be far reaching indeed.

The likelihood of him staying for the remainder of the season may be a point of debate with his loan contract ending on 30th June, but there is a gentlemen's agreement to release Beckham for the start of the MLS season, on March 9. He ‘quashed' this speculation when questioned on the topic, saying, "I'll enjoy myself and all, but I will then return to Los Angeles," said the midfielder. "Victoria has always liked Milan as a city and comes here for the fashion week. We're staying here for three months. That's it."

So his impact will be short, 10 games at most (if he leaves in March) but he could be the catalyst Milan are searching for and his work rate my rub off on a few of his new Milan teammates.