Soccer: Beckham happy with right wing switch

MADRID - Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham says he felt a new lease of life when he was restored to his former wide position in a Primera Liga match on Sunday.

Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo switched the England captain from his usual central berth to the right wing in a diamond formation with Thomas Gravesen in the middle, Zinedine Zidane on the left and Luis Figo slotting in behind the strikers.

The move paid off as Beckham produced an impressive display in Real's 3-1 win over struggling Real Mallorca at the Bernabeu.

"It was my best performance of the season and possibly my best performance maybe since I've been in Spain," Beckham said.

"Tonight was more the position I play for England and people have said to me that I look more comfortable in that position. But whatever position I play, as long as it's in the team, I'm not bothered."

Beckham said the move back to his Manchester United and England spot was not the only reason for his return to form.

"I've been working hard on my fitness and this manager has helped because he is making the players work a lot harder and it proves that when you work hard and you've got fitness you play a lot better."

Real lie second in the Primera Liga, seven points behind Barcelona.

- REUTERS