Figo: Giggs is better than Beckham

Portuguese star Luis Figo claims David Beckham is not good enough to be European Footballer of the Year - and is not even the best player at Manchester United.

Figo, the current holder of the coveted title, has again joined the England captain on the list of 50 players in the running for the award presented on December 18.

And the Real Madrid midfielder told The Sun: "If I had to choose a player from United, I prefer Ryan Giggs myself."

The shortlist includes 15 players currently playing in the Premiership - but Figo believes his Madrid team-mate Raul should win.

He added: "I would place Raul at the top for all the goals he regularly scores in the championship and Europe."

Meanwhile Roma coach Fabio Capello backs Beckham and Raul to battle it out for the top spot.

He said: "I think Raul deserves the award for what he has done in the last few seasons, showing his great talent on many occasions.

"But Beckham has become a complete player and shown himself to be really mature."