David Beckham is not guaranteed a place in the AC Milan team which
faces Manchester United next Tuesday, although his chances look
promising after coach Leonardo praised his versatility.
After starting Milan's first five league games of 2010,
Beckham has been a substitute in their last two, although he did
play the final 15 minutes of the 3-2 win over Udinese on Friday
night.
But Leonardo discarded the notion that former United
midfielder Beckham was being saved for his "special match" next
week, insisting he had and will continue to pick the team he
believes is best suited for each individual game.
"We know it's a very special match for him," said Leonardo.
"It's very special to play in the Champions League against
his own team, let's say it like that.
"But we have got to analyse everything and we have a lot of
players in good condition. We'll see how everybody is to choose the
best team."
On Friday night Amantino Mancini took the role Beckham has
occupied since arriving at the Rossoneri in December, but he is
ineligible to face the Red Devils having already appeared in the
competition for his former club Inter Milan. His position will
therefore be up for grabs.
Mancini was replaced by Alexandre Pato on Friday night while
Beckham had to wait until late on before taking the place of
Ronaldinho, whose place in the team on Tuesday does not appear to
be in any doubt after another inspirational performance against
Udinese.
But Leonardo's praise of Beckham's adaptability means the
former England captain has a good chance of featuring against his
former employers.
"I think he can play anywhere," added Leonardo.
"He's smart and intelligent and tactically he's perfect.
"There are no problems choosing a system or a position for
him.
"He's been doing very well this year. He arrived in December
and he knows the team and how we play.
"I think David has nothing to prove to anybody.
"His career speaks for itself because what he did in football
is something very big."
Milan's game against Udinese set a precedent with the Italian
Football League agreeing to bring the fixture forward 24 hours to
grant the Rossoneri an extra day to prepare for Tuesday's
encounter.
However, United's elimination from the FA Cup means they have
a free weekend and this could favour them, according to Leonardo.
"Fortunately we have played on Friday so we can rest a bit
more, but Manchester played the other day so they have six days,
which is two days more than us," he said.
"The more you rest, the better and the more players you get
back.
"Manchester also had some players out injured who may benefit
from these extra days, but at least we played today and this gives
us two days more (than usual), which is an advantage."
Leonardo will be looking to establish an advantage for his
side on Tuesday night and not leave them a mountain to climb in the
second leg at Old Trafford.
"I think it is in our DNA that we always try to win," he
said.
"We always start the game only with the thought of victory."
