DAVID Beckham will leave a lasting legacy with the MLS, claims new Wanderers recruit Stuart Holden.

The midfield ace has forecast a bright future for the game in the States, based largely on the massive interest sparked by the former Manchester United man’s arrival at LA Galaxy in 2008.

Galaxy pipped Holden’s Houston Dynamo team to the Western Conference championship last season before beating them 2-0 for a place in the MLS Cup final.

And the Whites playmaker — who is due to be in the squad for Saturday’s game against Fulham after recovering from a thigh injury — believes the former England skipper’s influence will ensure “soccer” stays in the nation’s consciousness long after he leaves.

“He brought a buzz to the game,” he said. “When you think of the world’s most famous players, he’s probably right at the top of that list.

“His influence at the Galaxy was immense. He sold season tickets, merchandise and shirts when he first arrived, but didn’t really inspire many results on the field. But this last season, they saw success and made it to the cup final.

“He brought a lot of exposure to football in the States, and while everyone knows it’s not the main sport there, hopefully it will be soon.

“The league has a certain infrastructure I think it is working now. There have been attempts to have professional soccer over there in the past and they haven’t worked because they went about things in the wrong way.

“They have their business plans and it’s a different approach to over here, but I think it’s something the American audience can identify with.”

Despite giving his backing to the MLS, Holden admits the tradition of the game in England is the big draw.

“The game is still really in its infancy over in the States,” he said, “but clubs over here have tons of tradition with fans who have been following the club down the generations. I love that about the game over here. It’s the passion in the ground, the cheering, it’s a very different environment to play in. That really drew me back.”