Yet to fully breakthrough at Manchester City considering he had four centre-backs ahead of him, Jason Denayer spent last season on loan at Galatasaray.
The Belgium defender, who is expected to start for Belgium during the Euros instead of Vincent Kompany, injured, might even earn himself a spot in Pep Guardiola’s plans if he performs well.
Widely regarded as a defender with lots of potential, the 20-year-old started his career aged 8 for FC Ganshoren, but it wasn’t until he moved to the JMG (Jean-Marc Guillou) Academy via Anderlecht that his development started to show promise.
The football academy is well-known in Belgium, but not because of the talent that has come from it, even though many players such as Yaya Touré or Gervinho spent time there.
JMG Academy have a particular way of ensuring their players have a good touch and good ball control: they make them train barefooted.
Thomas Caers, who was Denayer’s coach there, explained to DH: “For Jean-Marc Guillou, being barefoot represents unpredictable and technical football. After a few years, our players are given boots if they pass sixteen different tests. It’s a motivation to help the youngsters succeed”.
Caers also goes on to explain this part of the formation was one of Denayer’s biggest moments, saying he was sure training barefoot is what made the Manchester City centre-back the player he is today.
With a lot to prove ahead of Pep Guardiola’s arrival, perhaps playing barefooted in training will be his way of showing the Spanish manager he has what it takes to be part of his system?
