The Portuguese captain and 2001 World Footballer of the Year believes that the England skipper is one of the greatest players in the world.

Figo has been able to see Beckham at close hand after the England man's summer move to the Santiago Bernabeu and so far he has been impressed, both by Beckham's ability and his work rate.

"I think, in the beginning, he was under pressure because people expected a little bit more," said Figo. "I think he answered all those questions and is doing a great job for Real Madrid. He is a really important player for us and has made us even stronger this year.

"I don't know how much he has improved but it is always good for a player to come into contact with the very best players [and] he is playing with Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Raul and Roberto Carlos.

"I think his great virtue is his constant work ethic," Figo continues, a sentiment shared by many who have seen Real's matches this year.

Both Portugal and England have huge expectations of what they can achieve at this summer's European Championship and for the hosts, the tournament represents the last chance for the so-called 'golden generation'.

The likes of Figo and Rui Costa won't be around for much longer and after making the semi-finals of Euro 2000 and being knocked out in the first round at the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004 is likely to be the final tournament for many of Portugal's finest-ever players.

"The support of our fans and the whole nation, playing on home soil will give us a great chance but we of course know all about Italy, France, Spain and England," said the 31-year-old.

"I think the England team have the same chance. They have a really good group of players who are coming to the right age at the right time.

"England are one of the great favourites to win Euro 2004.

"The player who is their leader is Beckham. He hasn't surprised me because he's a fantastic player and has great qualities.

"David Beckham is a monster of soccer," Figo continued. "He is not only in the current elite, he will go in history as one of the best of all times.

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David Beckham - Stat Pack

Season

Club

Apps.

Goals

1993/94 Manchester United 0 0
1994/95 Manchester United 4 0
1994/95 Preston North End 5 2
1995/96 Manchester United 33 7
1996/97 Manchester United 36 7
1997/98 Manchester United 37 9
1998/99 Manchester United 34 6
1999/00 Manchester United 31 6
2000/01 Manchester United 31 9
2001/02 Manchester United 28 11
2002/03 Manchester United 31 6
2003/04 Real Madrid 20 3
1996-2004 England 65 13

Luis Figo - Stat Pack

Season

Club

Apps.

Goals

1989/90 Sporting CP 3 0
1990/91 Sporting CP 3 0
1991/92 Sporting CP 34 1
1992/93 Sporting CP 32 0
1993/94 Sporting CP 31 8
1994/95 Sporting CP 34 7
1995/96 Barcelona 35 5
1996/97 Barcelona 36 4
1997/98 Barcelona 35 5
1998/99 Barcelona 34 7
1999/00 Barcelona 32 9
2000/01 Real Madrid 34 8
2001/02 Real Madrid 29 7
2002/03 Real Madrid 33 10
2003/04 Real Madrid 23 5
1991-2004 Portugal 99 30