While many in the French media have dismissed David Beckham’s transfer deadline day move to Paris Saint-Germain as a marketing ploy, French legend Zinedine Zidane believes that the Englishman, whom he played with at Real Madrid from 2003-2006, still has the quality to impress at the top level.

In an interview with French TV station Canal+, the former World Cup winner said that Beckham “is going to surprise you,” although at 37, he is not going to play 90 minutes every game. "He's there to bring his touch, and that he can do in 20 minutes or half an hour,” Zidane said. “He has a way of taking free kicks, a way of striking the ball that is different to others for cross-field balls of 30, 40 meters. I was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of some of his cross-field passes.”

The three-time FIFA World Player of the Year also lauded his former teammate for his professionalism: "[Beckham] arrives three-quarters of an hour before training and leaves half an hour after everyone else,” Zidane said. “He's a truly great professional. He's going to show certain people what 'professionalism' means, and that can't hurt certain people today."

Beckham, a two-time MLS Cup winner in five seasons with the LA Galaxy, is expected to make his PSG debut against Marseille on Feb. 24.