New Premier League players to watch out for (and how to become just like them)
The Premier League transfer window slammed shut for the summer at 6pm on Tuesday September 1st, though the international break means that football fans have had to wait a little while before they get to see some of the exciting new signings in England’s top division.
Here’s a look at some of this season’s most exciting signings, as well as how you can train like them:
Anthony Martial
Fast facts:
- From AS Monaco to Manchester United
- Four-year contract with the potential for an additional year extension
- Undisclosed fee
What makes him stand out:
The fact that 19-year-old Anthony Martial has already been likened to fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry says something about Manchester United’s newest signing.
Martial — who has played for Lyon and Monaco, as well as the French Under-21 team — is a lightning-quick striker who can switch play to the wings when needed.
Train like Martial:
Hoping to match the pace of Martial on the field? A great football fitness exercise is lateral speed ladder drills, as the training looks to improve foot speed by being able to change direction more rapidly. To perform the technique:
- Begin by standing to the left-hand side of the speed ladder.
- Lift your left foot so that it is level with your right ankle. Your arms should also be bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Bring your left foot back down into the first box of the ladder and immediately follow the move with your right foot.
- Continue steps two and three along the entire length of the ladder, ensuring your toes stay pointing upwards and the balls of your feet are making contact with the ground throughout.
- Once to the right side of the ladder, work your way back along the ladder only this time with your right foot going first.
Papy Djilobodji
Fast facts:
- From Nantes to Chelsea
- Four-year contract
- Undisclosed fee
What makes him stand out:
Papy Djilobodji is known for having an imposing physical presence when he’s on the pitch. The 26-year-old Senegal international can occupy numerous positions at Chelsea, having played as both a defensive midfielder and a central defender for Nantes — though it is the latter that he prefers.
Train like Djilobodji:
Become an imposing figure like Djilobodji by adapting your diet so you take in plenty of protein which can help develop muscle. Meals and snacks that are high in protein include fish, chicken, eggs, beans, tofu, lentils and low-fat dairy so you can take in plenty of protein which can help develop muscle.
Ramiro Funes Mori
Fast facts:
- From River Plate to Everton
- Five-year contract
- £9.5 million
What makes him stand out:
At £9.5 million, Argentine Ramiro Funes Mori is Everton’s most expensive defender. However, manager Roberto Martínez was looking for an effective central defender in the summer transfer window, with Mori likely to fill this void with his quality in the air.
Despite being just 24 years old, the left-footed defender has already had plenty of success in his career, such as winning the Copa Libertadores with River Plate and being called up to the Argentina squad.
Train like Mori:
Command your box with powerful defensive headers by taking the following tips on board:- Try to always ensure you are in line with a ball that is coming into the box from above. Adapt your positioning as quickly as possible so that you have the opportunity to get a tactical advantage over an opposing player.
- Meet the ball from the side on, as this enables you to get more power to header the ball and also limit the risk of clashing heads with an opponent.
- Keep your arms down, as your bid to get extra leverage could result in you accidently given away a foul.
- When about to head the ball, arch your back in a way that will allow you to thrust your forehead upwards upon impact.
- Aim to make contact with the bottom half of the ball, as this will allow you to power the ball upwards and hopefully well away from the box.
Virgil van Dijk
Fast facts:
- From Celtic to Southampton
- Five-year contract
- Undisclosed fee
What makes him stand out:
Following lengthy negotiations, Virgil van Dijk completed his switch from Celtic to Southampton on deadline day and has provided manager Ronald Koeman with variety in central defence, joining José Fonte, Maya Yoshida, Steven Caulker and Florin Gardos — though the latter is still battling a long-term injury. Despite being a defender, the Dutchman scored 15 times in the 105 appearances he made for Celtic. As a result, the former Netherlands under-21 international could well make an impact on both sides of the pitch.Train like Van Dijk:
Stamina is key to a player like Van Dijk, due to his presence in both defensive and attacking plays. A good diet plan is important alongside training.
Potatoes in their skins, brown rice, brown pasta and wholegrain bread will deliver lots of carbohydrates to your body.
