Real Madrid's successful accommodation of David Beckham into their star-studded squad makes them favourites for this season's Champions League, according to former Manchester United teammate Ryan Giggs.

Welsh wing wizard Giggs says Beckham, by slotting neatly into central midfield, has answered the questions about how he would fit into a side whose right flank was already filled by Portuguese star Luis Figo.

"He is the best passer of a ball in the world and Real's style suits him," Giggs told Friday's Marca sports daily.

Asked if he felt his former colleague looked to have settled down in his new surroundings Giggs said: "Yes. He's shown that the way he's been playing. He loves Spanish football.

"When Madrid signed him we asked ourselves where he was going to play because Figo was on the right. But David always said he wanted to play in central midfield."

With Beckham in their ranks Giggs says that the Spaniards ought to be favourites for a tenth European title, even though he feels they are missing the steadying defensive influence of Frenchman Claude Makelele, who joined Chelsea in the summer.

"I've always said Real are favourites. But perhaps they are not as complete as last season with the loss of Makelele."

Real have been reportedly eying up United's Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy as their next major capture from Old Trafford and Giggs isn't surprised at their admiration for the Dutch assassin.

"I think he's the best striker in the world, though there are others, especially in England, such as (Michael) Owen or (Thierry) Henry," said Giggs.

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