Aimar acclaims Becks

The Argentine schemer comes face to face with Beckham this weekend as second-placed Real take on third-placed Valencia at the Mestalla, with both sides placing their unbeaten league starts on the line.

Aimar himself has enjoyed a hugely impressive opening to the new season, and turned in a Man of the Match display in his side's 3-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid last Saturday.

However, the former River Plate man was content to eulogise about Beckham, and poked fun at those who had claimed his transfer to Real was motivated mainly by marketing opportunities.

"He (Beckham) is a great player and it makes me laugh to hear people say that his signing is all about marketing," Aimar told Radio Marca.

"I would love to see those who say that, go in goal when he is going to take a free-kick."