LA Galaxy star David Beckham has heaped praise on his coach Bruce Arena after he was awarded the MLS Coach of the Year this week. Arena has completely turned the fortunes of the Galaxy around, going from bottom to top of the Western Conference in just one season and Beckham has laid praise on him for his achievements.

"He deserves it. I think he's helped us as players and as a team. His experience with this league and with American players, it's been essential for us stepping toward winning something," Beckham told MLSnet.com.

Arena admitted that the award should be shared by the whole club after producing such brilliant and consistent performances all season.

"Although it's deemed an individual honor I really think it's an honor for our team and our organization. In that sense I feel real good about it," Arena told MLSnet.com.

The Galaxy play the Houston Dynamo in Friday's Western Conference final at The Home Depot Center for a place in the MLS Cup final.