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Kilbane explains why "hardy sh*te" Gary Neville was best full-back he faced

It's fair to say, the David Beckham and Gary Neville combo on the Manchester United flank was one...



Kilbane explains why
Soccer

Kilbane explains why "hardy sh*te" Gary Neville was best full-back he faced

It's fair to say, the David Beckham and Gary Neville combo on the Manchester United flank was one of the best in the Premier League era.

From Class of 92 youth team graduates to Champions League and Premier League winners, the English duo had a telepathic relationship.

As a left-winger, our own Kevin Kilbane crossed paths with that right-sided duo numerous times during his Premier League days.

And he also reserved praise for Neville, who's joining us alongside Roy Keane at our Bord Gais Theatre Roadshow in early September.

"I do think Neville was the best full-back I played against," he said.

Hardy Sh*te

"He was a hardy sh*te and the partnership he had with Beckham was very, very good."

In his autobiography, Sky Sports pundit Neville has also stated that in theory he and Beckham should have been predictable for opposition players. Yet they consistently proved unstoppable.

"Beckham largely got his space from unselfish running from Neville. Neville did a lot of the running just to free up Beckham. He'd get the space to put the ball into the box.

"I've never spoken to Neville about it. But the one thing that sticks in my mind every single time the ball was fired into Neville, [his] first thought was always [get it to] the wide-man.

"That was always something that was said to me as a kid growing up. And I'm sure it was said to Gary Neville and to Beckham. 'If you're in position, full-back on the ball, first option has to be your wide-man.'

"Beckham was always in the position quickly and didn't idle into that position. When Neville got the ball, immediately bang, first touch out of his feet and second touch straight into [Beckham]. That was key to their success and the understanding.

"I used to like playing against them because you knew they were the best."

You can also watch the full Football Show with Kevin below via YouTube. Or you can listen in on the podcast and OTB Sports Radio.

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David Beckham Football Gary Neville Kevin Kilbane Manchester United Off The Ball Premier League