Romeo Beckham has a big reputation to live up to but cannot be compared to famous footballing father David, says Brentford head coach Thomas Frank.
The 20-year-old joined Premier League side Brentford on loan this week and made his debut for the reserve side in Tuesday s London Senior Cup tie with Erith and Belvedere.
Romeo s dad was in the Park View Road stands to watch his son, who made 20 appearances for Inter Miami II in MLS Next Pro last season.
Talk of another Beckham taking the Premier League by storm has garnered plenty of attention, but Frank wants Romeo to be judged on his own ability rather than anyone else s.
Romeo is a very good player, of course he has a name that is pretty worldwide, and big, Frank said at a pre-match press conference on Friday.
For Romeo, he is himself. He of course has a big name. You can t compare [father and son].
FULL-TIME: The young Bees progress in the London Senior Cup with a late win!
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC)
Frank drew comparisons between Michael Laudrup and his son Andreas, who the Brentford boss previously managed.
Maybe Laudrup is also a decent player [like David Beckham], Frank said. I coached his son and it is important to take him as a player – not as a Laudrup, but as himself.
Romeo is here for a reason, because we think he is a good player, and we are pleased he could make the loan deal.
Brentford B coach Neil MacFarlane praised Romeo for his display in the midweek cup tie, and Frank has challenged the youngster to do enough to earn a permanent contract.
We re pleased to see him doing well and pleased with his performance in the last game. When you have players, either permanent or on loan, it s for a reason, Frank said.
It s either for getting the team to perform, or to extend the loan deal and make it a permanent deal, so we just hope that he keeps progressing and makes it interesting for us.
Brentford s senior side are ninth in the Premier League and host Bournemouth on Saturday.
