The F2Freestylers met up with Ryan Bertrand at Southampton’s training ground to get some tips on how to deal with the pressure of the Premier League & international football.
The F2 Freestylers are back and they’ve been joined by Southampton and England left-back Ryan Bertrand for their latest test of technique and talent.
Bertrand invited the F2 boys down to Southampton’s pristine training complex, and Billy and Jez returned the favour by setting a gruelling trio of challenges.
Each involving having to hit the crossbar, Bertrand was first tasked with striking the frame of the goal with a stationary shot from 18 yards.
After three attempts, Bertrand then had to fire an audacious half-volley on the move from 25 yards, before a piledriver from 40 yards completed the challenge.
Once complete, the trio tested their shooting skills against a professional goalkeeper, digging into their vast repertoires to produce a host of finishes fit to grace any stage.
So, to see how Bertrand fared, hit the video at the top of this story - or watch the full episode on the Soccer AM YouTube channel.
Cédric played over an hour as Portugal beat Cyprus 4-0 in their recent friendly.
The Saints man helped Portugal to a 3-0 lead, as Pizzi’s second-half strike followed up João Moutinho’s earlier brace.
Cédric was then substituted for Nélson Semedo just after the hour mark, before Andre Silva then completed the scoring and confirmed the victory for Portugal.
The European champions now face a crucial World Cup qualifier against Latvia next Friday before heading out to Russia to compete in the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Southampton’s prized asset will link up with Pep Guardiola’s side following a £60m transfer when the window opens next month.
Despite overtures from Liverpool and Chelsea , the Premier League’s big-hitters have simply blown their competitors out of the water by making a mammoth offer to the centre-half.
Van Dijk is set to trouser over £200,000-a-week in a monster five-year deal that will make him the world’s most expensive defender.
The move comes just ten months after John Stones earned that title following his £50m switch from Everton.
But now Manchester City will eclipse that themselves after Van Dijk decided his future lay with Guardiola.
The news will come as a major blow to both of his other suitors.
Van Dijk, 25, is understood to have been impressed with Jurgen Klopp’s vision for the Merseysiders and the Reds genuinely believed they were in with a shout of convincing him to join them.
While Antonio Conte’s bid to bolster their backline, despite their current status as title-winners, was not sufficient to turn the head of the Dutch international.
But when details of the offer from the Etihad were laid before the player they were just impossible to turn down.
The centre-half has played just 55 times for the Saints since moving from Celtic for £11.5m almost two years ago.
He injured his ankle and was ruled out of the final part of last season but he has since posted footage on social media of him working out.
The news will give Guardiola a major boost ahead of the new season with playmaker Bernardo Silva and keeper Ederson already confirmed to arrive in an £80m double swoop from Monaco and Benfica respectively.
While those arrivals were being confirmed, it also appears that Manchester City have decided that Nolito can return to Spain.
The winger was signed from Celta Vigo for £13.7m last season but made just nine starts in the Premier League.
His former club are understood to have agreed to take him back to La Liga – with Manchester City set to receive half their initial fee for the player.
Louis van Gaal is hoping for an amazing return to the Premier League with Southampton a shock option.
The Dutchman was sacked by Manchester United a year ago, but is open to a comeback in England.
The former United chief will be back at the club today for the Michael Carrick testimonial, his first return to Old Trafford since his exit.
And that could be the prelude to a more permanent return with Southampton - and possibly Crystal Palace - interested.
Van Gaal has taken a year off to recharge his batteries after his Old Trafford exit and sources close to the 65-year-old claim there have been low-key approaches to sound out his interest.
Saints are ready to ditch Claude Puel after an underwhelming season at St Mary’s - and it’s believed Palace have also discussed the Dutchman.
Southampton have already had one Dutchman in charge recently – Ronald Koeman – and Saints owners are impressed with Van Gaal’s track record.
Van Gaal was stung by his sacking just hours after winning the FA Cup against Crystal Palace in May last year.
The former Holland gaffer felt he he was harshly treated and has told friends he would still listen to offers from English clubs.
Palace chairman Steve Parish, meanwhile, is taking his time assessing a hit list of candidates after Sam Allardyce rocked the Eagles by retiring after guiding the club to safety in his first season at Selhurst Park.
Sean Dyche, Chris Coleman, Brendan Rodgers, Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri have all been on Palace’s radar - with Van Gaal also thought to have been discussed by Parrish and his board.