USA international midfielder Freddie Adu says that David Beckham's profile could fade very quickly if he does not shine when he joins LA Galaxy in July.
Adu has told World Football that Beckham "has to carry this league."
"He has got to be the face of the league. It's a tough situation," said the 17-year-old Adu, who had a trial with Manchester United last November.
"It is great that Beckham has signed because he is going to help the league out a lot," he added.
Adu knows better the most what the former England captain can expect in America, as "Freddie Mania" swept across the US three years ago and turned him into a sporting superstar.
And Adu, who has recently moved from DC United - the club he signed for as a 14-year-old - to Real Salt Lake in the MLS - insists that if Beckham does not play well then the attention could "die off pretty quickly".
Beckham is due to play his first game for LA Galaxy over the weekend beginning 21 July.
You can hear the full interview with Freddie Adu on World Football on BBC World Service Saturday at 0730 and 1130.
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