Real Madrid new signing Wesley Sneijder made a huge impact as he scored three goals in two games earning his coach praise but also the one of arch-rival, Barcelona's Frank Rijkaard. "Beckham was a right winger more than anything else, and Sneijder, despite the fact that he has a similar touch on the ball to the Englishman, can cover more ground," said Real boss Bernd Schuster. "Before signing him I talked to Leo Beenhakker, who knows him well. We found out he can make good use of his shots if he plays down the left wing," added the German tactician. Sneijder has been brought to the Bernabeu, coming from Ajax, for $36.4 million to strengthen the Spanish champions' midfield following Beckham's $250-move to the LA Galaxy. The dream debut of the 23-year-old Dutch midfielder earned him the praise of Rijkaard who couldn't hide his admiration for his fellow countryman. "He plays well with both feet, he can play as a midfielder or in an attacking central role, he has a good mentality and the character of a winner." "He is a creative player, who can make great passes, who knows how to make great shots and score," said the former Netherlands coach. Sneijder inherited Beckham's reputation of a dead-ball specialist as well as he did with the England captain number 23 shirt.
