An Interview with Simone Bertaggia: How to Eat Like a Premier League Footballer!

• Written by Nicky Helfgott
• Half-Time Orange

If you are a seasoned professional in the Premier League, you need to keep on top of your diet in order to stay at the level of fitness required to last through a match and daily training. Premier League players need the best food in terms of nutritional value and also taste which is where chefs like Simone Bertaggia come in. We were fortunate enough to be able to talk to Simone and he gave us an insight of what Premier League football players really eat and how he takes care of their nutritional necessities.

An example of Simone Bertaggia’s healthy but delicious looking food that he serves to Premier League footballers (photo from Instagram: @Chefinho85)

Simone Bertaggia cooks predominantly for Manchester City left-back Benjamin Mendy as well as preparing meals for many other renowned Premier League stars including Fabinho and Bernardo Silva.

Interested to know about how Simone started to cook for such a vast array of footballers, Simone told us that he hasn’t always worked in the football industry but he was longing to work in it.

“I used to work in a Michelin star restaurant and a hotel first. Then I literally dropped myself into the football world… and I love it! Day by day I learn always something new.” Following Bertaggia’s transition into the world of football, he went to AS Monaco to work as a chef for the club. Simone explained, “In 2016 I was the head chef of the AS Monaco. It was absolutely amazing, great team, great players such as Falcao, Mbappe, Bernardo, Lemar, Fabinho and obviously Ben Mendy”

Another beautiful looking dish of Bertaggia’s (photo from Instagram @Chefinho85)

After his tenure at the successful 2017 Monaco side, Simone moved to Manchester in the summer of 2017 along with Benjamin Mendy when he signed for Manchester City. The £50m left-back wanted to bring along Simone and cited him as “The best cook in the world”. High praise! When Mendy got injured shortly after he signed for City, he went to Barcelona for his recovery. When talking to Sky Sports about his recovery, he mentioned that he had taken Simone with him. “I’ve brought my chef Simone Bertaggia with me. He stops around the corner from the flat I’m staying in in the city centre. I built up a good relationship with him when he was head chef at Monaco last season. When I left Monaco, I said to him ‘you’re coming with me’, and he did”.

Benjamin Mendy in action for Manchester City

All of Simone’s dishes look impeccable. They look to be nutritious and also delicious which makes him the perfect fit to be a chef for sportspeople. He often posts pictures of his mouth-watering food on his Instagram (@Chefinho85). It also appears that he is a great companion to Mendy. He has been filmed doing various challenged with the French left-back and often attends the games at The Etihad.

When asked if he has a signature dish, Simone told us “I’m Italian. I like cooking pasta and fish {as it is} clean, tasty and full of colours! Probably my signature would be a tomato risotto with bufala cheese cream and tuna tartare seasoned with red basil”. Sounds amazing!

Obviously, almost the entire planet at the moment has been stuck at home or at least not been able to go out to train, play football or go to restaurants. As a result of this, I’m sure lots of you reading this amongst many other people have been looking for healthy recipes to cook during this quarantine. So, if you are looking to throw it down in the kitchen and eat some healthy and delicious food, look no further! Simone has suggested a dish that is easy to make and is often made for his Premier League clients.

“A nice warm quinoa mixed with tossed veggies, seasoned with curcuma and fresh herbs served with a tasty seabass fillet cooked in the oven. Tasty, fresh, easy and lean!” If you want to eat like a professional footballer, here is what you have to do!

Ingredients:

• Vegetables of choice (snap peas, broccoli, peas, carrots – anything)
• Quinoa (or rice can be used as a substitute if needed)
• A fillet of seabass
• Spices and herbs or choice
• Olive oil
• Thyme and rosemary (not needed but nice)

Recipe:

• Preheat the oven to 180*C.
• On a baking tray, drizzle some olive oil, put on some thyme and rosemary and put on the (washed) seabass fillet.
• Season your fish however you like. You could pour on some lemon juice, sprinkle on some salt and pepper or however you would like.
• Put the fish in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
• In the meantime, cook your quinoa. If you have a packet, simply place into the microwave. If not, put your quinoa in a pot with water and boil until all of the water is absorbed (10-20 minutes).
• Let the quinoa rest for five minutes.
• Chop your vegetables and place them into a pan with a little bit of olive oil.
• Mix the quinoa with the vegetables and stir until combined.
• Plate it up and place the fish neatly on top.
• Season how you enjoy it.
• Bon appetit!

There you have it, how to eat like a footballer in lockdown. If you make this dish, let us know on Twitter @HTOrangeUK or Instagram @halftimeorangeuk.

Thank you Simone for doing this interview with us. Your food looks magnificent and thanks for the quarantine recipe suggestion as well!

An Interview with Aaron Skinner: The Bury Bred Defender Making a Splash at Spurs

• By Nicky Helfgott
• Half-Time Orange

“When I was younger I loved {Cristiano} Ronaldo (and still do)“

Aaron Skinner on which player(s) have inspired him

Having already signed his first professional contract with Tottenham Hotspur after only six months at the club, it is clear Aaron Skinner is a talented young player. Skinner is a defender who signed for Tottenham in November 2019 after impressing during a short trial period. Skinner previously had played for Bury’s academy for six years and had helped them to the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup. Recently, having clearly shone in Spurs’ youth set-up, Skinner signed his first pro contract with the Lilywhites which is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Aaron Skinner in the 2019/20 Tottenham Hotspur kit

We had the fortune of interviewing Aaron and we delved into what life is like at Tottenham’ academy and if he has the opportunity of training with some of the regular first team players. Skinner told us “My time at Spurs so far has been really enjoyable”. Skinner isn’t the first Spurs player to rave about their academy. Recently, we interviewed Polish goalkeeper Kasper Kurylowicz who also spoke positively about his experience at the club. He continued, “I’ve loved every minute of going in and training and playing with the quality of players that we have every day as it’s helped me improve massively which is the main thing for me personally.”

On whether or not he has had the opportunity to work with some of the more seasoned professionals at the club, Skinner said “I have been lucky enough to train with the first team and I was really impressed with there intensity which showed me the levels I have to get to if I am going to be with them“. In the last year, academy starlet Japhet Tanganga has broken into the first team squad and manager Jose Mourinho has praised him very highly in interviews. As well as Tanganga, right back Kyle Walker-Peters has also established himself in the first team squad in the last two seasons although he is currently on loan at Southampton.

Spurs defender Japhet Tanganga who caught the eye of many football fans this season after a fabulous performance against league leaders Liverpool

Talking about whether he looks up to these players who have bridged the gap in recent seasons, Skinner admitted that “it inspires me as I see people who I have played”.

We asked Aaron which players inspire him or if he bases his personal game from any particular player. Although Skinner didn’t name any defenders, he did name another player who has worked his way out of the Tottenham academy and has been dubbed ‘Little Iniesta’ by Mourinho’s predecessor Mauricio Pochettino! Skinner told us, “When I was younger I loved {Cristiano} Ronaldo (and still do) for how hard he worked in order to design himself to be one of if not the best in the world but in terms of actual play style I obviously look at Harry Winks because I see him every week and like to see how he controls the play and speed of play”.

Aaron Skinner in action for Tottenham Hotspur U18

As we often ask in these interviews, we were interested to see Skinner’s goals and where he desires to be in ten years time. He told us “In football I don’t think you ever really know but I would like to think I {will be} playing in the premier league and I believe that if I continue to work as I have been doing to improve everyday that that will happen”. Skinner has a strong mentality and we are looking forward to seeing his career develop in the years to come!

An Interview with Kacper Kurylowicz: The U18 Tottenham Goalkeeper Inspired by Iker Casillas

• By Nicky Helfgott
• Half-Time Orange

“I always watched Iker Casillas from Real Madrid. I loved watching him as he had a mindset of a winner”

Kacper Kurylowicz on which goalkeeper inspired him when he was younger

Kacper Kurylowicz is an 18 year old keeper playing for the Spurs U18 side. The Polish keeper has been playing in the Tottenham ranks for 7 years and looks to push into first team football.

Kacper has represented the U18 side 11 times this season keeping an impressive four clean sheets. The young Polish goalkeeper has also been in the squad for Tottenham Hotspur’s U19 UEFA Youth League fixtures against Bayern Munich and Olympiacos. 

Kacper Kurylowicz warming up for the Tottenham vs PSV Uefa Youth League fixture

We spoke to Kacper and asked him a few questions about his career so far. The keeper described his experience at Spurs, being at the club for many years.

KK: “It’s been a absolute blessing to be able to be a part of such a great club with great players and history, it really has been a dream come true going through the ranks from the age of 11”

Kurylowicz speaks highly about Spurs and the caliber of players in the squad. The first team boasts a variety of world class players including the likes of Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris. We asked Kacper whether he has had a chance to speak to World Cup winner Hugo Lloris and how the French keeper’s success has inspired his game.

KK: “Speaking to all of the keepers you want to get as much from them as possible watching analysing how truly professional they are with everything!”

Kacper Kurylowicz in action for Tottenham’s U18s

Kacper continued by detailing his career ambitions to us.

KK: “A dream would be to play in the Premier League right?! But I would want to see myself playing in the top leagues making the most of whatever chance I have! 

Poland is notorious for having a successful goalkeeping department, currently made up by Lukas Fabianski and Wojciech Szczęsny. The latter started his career in North London, like Kurylowicz, and has progressed into one of the finest goalkeepers in the world. Kurylowicz has represented the Polish national team at youth level and he talks about how much of an honour it is.

 KK: “It’s always a honour being called up and being a part of the national team being able to represent your country making the family proud.”

Kacper Kurylowicz pictured by Tottenham Hotspur

We also asked Kacper which goalkeepers inspired him when he was younger and also which goalkeepers inspire him in the current day and age. He also described why each keeper inspired him.

KK: “When I was growing up I always watched Iker Casillas from Real Madrid. I loved watching him as he had a mindset of a winner even after a mistake he would make sure he saved the next one! Now as I’m older Hugo {Lloris} 100% for his great shot stopping ability. But also Ederson I love his confidence on the ball!

Kurylowicz’s positive attitude and ability should enable him to make more appearances for the U23’s next year and push into professional football in the years to come. Good luck in your footballing career, Kacper!

An Interview with Liam Delap: The Super Sky Blues Striker with a Bright Blue Future

• By Luca Joseph
• Half-Time Orange

“I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo

Liam Delap on which footballer(s) have inspired him

Liam Delap is an exciting prospect in the Manchester City academy. The young English striker had made an impressive start at the Sky Blues since his move from Derby County in July 2019. He is the son of the esteemed former Premier League midfielder, Rory Delap who was especially notable for his long-range throw ins. Despite this, Liam has a different style of play and uses his skill on the ball and deadly shooting ability to create for his team.

The 17 year old has had a prominent starting role in City’s U18 side scoring seven goals and assisting seven times in just in 11 games. He has even been part of the Manchester City U23 side getting an assist off the bench against Arsenal.

Delap’s bulldozing runs and toughness on the ball makes him a real threat at the top. A direct runner with a keen eye for goal. His bullish running makes him a real handful for defenders. This was shown in his impressive goal against Stoke where he picked up the ball, wide on the halfway line and used his agility and pace to beat defenders, weaving through and finishing in the bottom corner. 

Liam Delap scoring against Stoke

We asked Liam a few questions about his time at Manchester City and his hopes for the future. Delap could only shower City with praise about his transition over from Derby.

LD: “It’s been really good, settled in really well and had a great first season”.

Delap had a fantastic spell at Derby which earned him a move to City. He has had a great season this year winning the U18 Premier League Cup in a ruthless 6-0 win. Delap spoke about the young City sides success in the cup.

LD: “It was probably my best moment at City as we got rewarded for all the hard work and how well we played in the games in the competition”.

Liam Delap celebrating a goal for Manchester City

There is no doubt that Liams aggression and strength played a big role in their cup run. Liam revealed that one of the greatest footballers ever inspired him.

LD: “I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo”

Liam’s performances for the U18’s will put him at great stead for next season hopefully with the U23 squad. He has shown what he is capable of and can only go up from here. Liam also revealed that in the future he would like to be playing “Premier League football”.

Given his impressive performances, not just in the U18 Premier League but also in international tournaments. Liam also spoke about his experience playing for England at youth level. 

LD: “I think it’s a great experience and a huge honour and reward for your hard work so it’s nice to be recognised that you’re doing well”.

His success on the international level has been no surprise, even taking home the Golden Boot from the Mercedes Benz Aegean Tournament in 2019 scoring 4 goals. His outstanding performances in Turkey were a testament to his great skill and most notably his pace and power.

Liam Delap in his Manchester City strip

Liam’s attitude gives him the platform to improve to reach his aims for his career. His attitude has impressed the city coaches and he looks to improve his touch to suit the style that City have adopted under Pep Guardiola.

The young striker had a great ten year spell at Derby and at the age of 16 helped the U18 side to win the Premier League North title. It is reported that Liam’s move to City came with a large transfer fee which really shows the potential and ability that the young striker poses. 

Liam has been tipped to go far and it is clear that he has the skill to do so. Next season, Delap should feature more often for the U23 side and hopefully join academy graduates Phil Foden, Eric Garcia in featuring for the first team as he unquestionably has the ability to achieve this. 

An Interview with Harry Halwax: The Strong-Minded Derby County Keeper with a Point to Prove

“I would like to see myself  being the first choice GK for Rep. of Ireland Senior team with a number of caps under my belt.”

Harry Halwax on his ambitions for his career

Harry Halwax is an Irish goalkeeper playing for the Derby County U18 side. His impressive performances have earned him international caps and he has been looking to build on this in the future.

We asked Harry a few questions about his career and he spoke about his time at Derby County so far.

HH: “My first year at the club was great. I found preseason tough as it was my first proper preseason with a professional club and I wasn’t used to the intense training and condition work. I had received my international clearance either so I wasn’t able to play any games for 2-3 months.”

Harry Halwax, along with his family, signing a contract with Derby under the management of Frank Lampard

After a tough start his exemplary attitude paid dividends and he continued to improve massively.

HH: “After the first half of the season I really started to kick on and found myself becoming much stronger and my physique was improving a lot. My technical areas had improved greatly and was getting known for my ability to zing passes about to any area of ​​the pitch.”

Not only was Harry’s passing becoming an area in which he was recognised for his talent but he also gained recognition for his attitude.

HH: “The coaches always praised me on my work ethic and desire to improve and all the staff members would also comment on my attitude and maturity. This was a real confidence booster and helped me a lot.”

Shay Given, a member of the Fifa Century Club, is the current Derby County Goalkeeper coach. With his experience in the top flight and the fact he is a compatriot of Harry Halwax, he is bound to help him prosper.

Halwax played in an exciting Derby side who not only qualified for the UEFA Youth League with Category One academies but also won the U18 Premier League title. He spoke highly of Derby County and how they treated him as a foreign young player.

HH: “I was welcomed with open arms when I first went to the club and met all the staff, players, management, etc. I knew from spending a week on trial that this was definitely the club I wanted to sign for if given the opportunity.” 

However, in the current 2019/20 season, Harry has not been given the same opportunity to perform and he spoke about how this has affected him as a young player. 

HH: “This past season has been very tough for me. I haven’t had much game time and I feel it is affecting me a lot. My confidence levels are low and my self motivation isn’t what it used to be. I’ve played around 10 games this season over the course of about 8 months which isn’t very ideal considering my age and it has affected my development a lot. The competition between goalkeepers in the club is very healthy and there are a lot of us so it’s hard for all of us to get game time and going on loan didn’t really work out. I’m looking forward to getting back playing and interested to see what I can get out of next season with hard work and dedication.”

Harry Halwax pictured in his Derby County strip

It is clear that although Halwax may have had a set back this season regarding his game time, his work ethic and attitude to improve to showcase his talent will aid him in his rise through academy football. He spoke about where he would like his career to take him in the future.

HH: “I would like to see myself playing first team football as a first choice GK at any professional club, hopefully at DCFC and also being the first choice GK for Rep. of Ireland Senior team with a number of caps under my belt. I’d also love to have started a family and have a house and to have all my GK coaching badges done to have the option of coaching when I retire. I would also love to try playing football over in America in the MLS for the experience as I love the lifestyle in the United States and I love traveling.”

Unlike many youth footballers Halwax does not only just look forward to his career as a professional but intriguing plans for the future. This maturity that he displays will put him at great stead for the professional game. Not only his attitude but also his shot stopping and distribution ability makes him stand out as a goalkeeper. Harry also spoke about players that inspire him. 

HH: “My inspirations are Joe Hart and Jack Butland. I’ve always admired the two of them for their bravery when coming out, blocking and spreading themselves in front of the ball while not being afraid to get hit by it. Also their ability to pull off game winning and ridiculous agility saves, due to their power and strength. I also feel I have the same agility, power and strength to do so as well. Jack Butland’s ability to distribute the ball with both feet with any technique he desires is someone that I am also working on and improving a lot as well.  

The young goalkeepers impressive power and agility gained interest from the Republic of Ireland scouts who have selected him on multiple occasions to represent the national team at youth levels. Halwax spoke about his experience playing for the Irish team.

HH: “Playing for Ireland at youth level was hard for me if i’m being honest. I never had consistent game time and experience in me and whenever I did play for Ireland I wouldn’t have the best of games. I feel the past 2 years or so I haven’t had the confidence levels anywhere near I am able to have, which has affected me quite a bit. I have traveled to a large number of different countries and I am very grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have been given. The U17 European Championships were a great experience and thoroughly enjoyed it with a great bunch of lads and coaching staff.” 

In the U17 European Championships the Irish team unfortunately did not make it past the group stage. Although they did not win, they were undefeated in their group. For any young player, the tournament is a great experience playing against top players from all around Europe. Halwax also aims to become a regular in the Ireland squad.

HH: “Hopefully when I start to get more consistent game time, I can start to focus on cementing my place in the Ireland squad again.” 

Harry Halwax in action for Derby County

Although Halwax has struggled for game time which has affected the security of his position in the Ireland squad, his ability and physical strength act as clear indicators for what he can do. Harry spoke about his aims for next season.

HH: My main aims for next season are to gain more consistent game time whether it be for the U23’s or out on loan. I would also like to then seal a long term contract at the club so I have a bit of security for the near future. I want to get my confidence levels up to as high as possible and improve my mental strength and resilience to be more proactive. I would also like to get myself in the Ireland U19 squad for the European Championships as well.

Harry Halwax is an example of how important consistent game time can be for a young player. Without a doubt Halwax’s work ethic to improve gives him a platform to succeed in the professional game. A loan move for the Irish keeper could be the best solution to his lack of game time. We wish Harry all the best for his bright future!

An Interview with Jordan Harrison: The Young Aussie with Big Dreams

“I dream of captaining Australia at a World Cup and leading the green and gold to huge successes.”

Jordan Harrison on his aims for the future

Jordan Harrison is an Australian midfielder playing in Watford’s U18 Academy side. Harrison was previously in the Chelsea youth ranks and signed for Watford in March 2019. Jordan is looking to improve and fulfill his promising potential at Watford.

Harrison was born in Saudi Arabia but moved to Brisbane where he was raised. He moved to the UK at 9 years old and in the last decade has been in the Manchester City, Chelsea and Watford academies.

Jordan aims to play for his national team, Australia, despite being eligible to represent Scotland, England and South Africa. Jordan has made a great start at the Hornets, scoring on his debut for the U18’s.

We asked the midfielder a few questions about his time at Watford and his hopes for the future as an Aussie in the Premier League. Jordan speaks very highly of his club, Watford.

Jordan Harrison in action for Watford

JH: “Watford has been great from the start, a very welcoming club with good culture and their playing style suits me because the idea is to play quickly with the ball and dominate. I’ve developed loads and learned so much in my first season here and can’t wait to carry on!”

Jordans impressive start at Watford was rewarded by manager Nigel Pearson, with training with the first team. This achievement puts him in great stead for the future at the club. Jordan also described his transition from Australia to England as an academy footballer.

JH: “When I came to England I wasn’t fazed at the challenge because I had waited my whole life for it to come. The move from Australia to England wasn’t scary because all I wanted to do was play football, and it’s still like that to this day. I didn’t really realise what I had sacrificed right away, it was only after a couple months when I noticed that I couldn’t do a lot of the things I used to do in Australia. I adapted quickly from Australian to English football as it was more suited to my style – quicker and more technically demanding – so I loved it and would do it all again! So far the big sacrifice has proven to be worthwhile and my tunnel vision to professional football continues.”

Harrison’s great ambition to excel is matched by his determination and exemplary attitude. The midfielder has great aspirations in the future to improve and reach his potential. Jordan spoke about what he would like to achieve in the future. 

JH: “In 10 years time I would like to achieve 2 World Cup and Champions League runs, trophies and a Ballon d’or. However, more importantly I’d love to be playing football everyday with a smile on my face and making my loved ones proud, that’s the dream.

The attitude he shows on and off the pitch is one of the key attributes he has to improve to the level he aims for. He can certainly be proud of his achievements and has the potential to improve tremendously. He also revealed the players he looks up to as a midfielder.

JH: “I’m inspired by Luka Modric and David Silva, they are world class players and I could watch them all day. There are many more I look up to, like De Bruyne, Thiago and Lampard, but Modric and Silva are probably my favourites.”

Harrison has great skill, pace and distribution which is vital for his success in future years. His intelligence on the ball and vision to see passes are also key attributes of his game. Jordan also is not afraid to take shots with his impressive right foot. His strength in defence also adds to his well rounded game. 

Jordan Harrison training with the Watford first team

Jordan hopes to follow in the footsteps of Tim Cahill, a fellow Aussie, in the Premier League.

JH: “I dream of captaining Australia at a World Cup and leading the green and gold to huge successes. Being an Australian in the Premier League would be a great achievement and to do what Tim Cahill and others did would be a dream. It’s what I’ve been working for ever since I started playing and it’s always been my goal to play in the Premier League. I definitely think that I can do that.”

Jordan shows fantastic potential and, for next season, can push into the U23 side at Watford with hopefully a few features in the first team. His ability is great and so is his attitude which gives him a great platform to head straight for the top. We wish him all the best in achieving his aims and hope to see him playing in the Premier League soon!

An Interview with Kion Etete: The Young Spurs Striker Rising Through The Ranks

• By Luca Joseph
• Half-Time Orange

“My experience at Spurs so far has been absolutely surreal”

Kion Etete

Kion Etete is an 18 year old striker playing for the Tottenham Hotspur Academy. Etete showed his talent coming through the ranks at League Two side Notts County where he featured in the FA Cup and even in their league campaign for the first team at just 17 years old. He was bought by Spurs in June 2019 for a reported £200,000.

Etete has had a great start to life at Spurs featuring mainly in the U18 team and has even captained them against rivals Arsenal. He has also broken into the U23 side on multiple occasions this year. In terms of his goalscoring numbers, he has had a prolific debut season for the U18 Spurs side so far notching 10 goals in just 14 games. He has also featured off the bench in a UEFA Youth League group stage fixture against Red Star Belgrade in which he scored after just 11 minutes on the pitch.

The young forward in action for Tottenham U23s against Bayern Munich

At 6,4ft Etete boasts a strong aerial presence and showcases great strength on the ball. His impressive close control and pace, sets him apart from the stereotypical tall strikers, like Llorente who featured in Spurs’ Champions League run. 

I was able to ask Etete a few questions about his time at Tottenham and he told us about his aims for the future as an up-and coming-talent in Tottenham Hotspur’s youth teams.

KE: “My experience at Spurs so far has been absolutely surreal, the facilities, the coaching staff, the fans are all incredible”

He also added that his move to Tottenham Hotspur has been ‘a massive step’ in his career. 

Tottenham do not have a back-up striker at the moment which has caused many problems for the Premier League outfit in the absence of Harry Kane. Etete could be of great value to the first team in the near future as a back-up.

Etete could soon join a list of academy graduates that Jose Mourinho has given debuts to including Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Oliver Skipp (first start) and Japhet Tanganga. Etete shows a great deal of ambition for the future and hopes to play regular first team football.

KE: ‘I would like to be playing regular first team football and competing in the Champions League’.

Kion Etete tussling for the ball for the Spurs U23s against Wolverhampton Wanderers

Etete also revealed which players have inspired his playing style. He admires the skill of other physical Premier League Strikers. When asked who influenced his style he replied ‘Harry Kane and Dominic Calvert Lewin’. Both of those strikers have great finishing and ability not just in the air but on the ball as well.

Etete, at Spurs, has been learning from some of the best and after a Q&A sessions with Jermain Defoe, he highlighted Defoe’s winning mentality which is a value that is important for any player in football. 

One of Etete’s best attributes is his hold up play and his ability to provide for his team mates. He can learn a lot from Harry Kane who has world class ability in this part of his game. His bullish approach from long balls against defenders makes him a real handful adding to his relentless pressing from the front. The young striker is also not afraid to shoot from range with his  strong right foot. His ability at making intelligent runs and his composure in front of goal are also important parts of his game.

Kion has great potential and is unquestionably a player to keep an eye out for at Spurs in the coming years. He has a great opportunity at Spurs at their new state-of-the-art training facilities in Enfield. Next season with minutes for the U23 side under his belt, Jose Mourinho could look to push the youngster into the first team.

An Interview with Roco Rees: The Young Brighton Goalkeeper Aiming For The Top

• By Nicky Helfgott
• Half-Time Orange

“In 10 years, I’d love to be looked at as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”

Roco Rees

Roco Rees is an 18 year old, English goalkeeper who plays for Brighton. We reached out to Roco and he detailed for us what life at Brighton is like, what it’s like working with Australian international Mat Ryan and his ambitions for the future.

I asked Roco about his journey into academy football as well as what life was like for an academy player at Brighton and he only had positive things to say about the club which is a testament to their development of young players.

RR: “I started off at Portsmouth when I was young and I then signed for Brighton after a couple of years. When I first signed for Brighton, we were still training at multiple places and we were Category 2 so we were playing against the likes of Millwall, Colchester, QPR, etc. After a couple of years Brighton built a new training ground and became Category 1 playing against the top teams. The facilities are really good along with the coaching. I’ve now been at Brighton for 7 years and I am going into the U23s. I have played two years at U18s and I have played in the FA Youth Cup, the Premier League Cup and also the league which has been really good. Brighton is a great club for an academy player, there is a good feel around the club and a togetherness.”

In the 2019/20 season, various Brighton academy graduates have performed strongly in the first team. Aaron Connolly and Steven Alzate have played 38 times for Brighton this season and centre-back Ben White, who is on loan at Leeds, has performed so well in the Championship that he has been linked often to a move to Liverpool and Manchester United.

Rees encountered his first taste of men’s football as he went on loan to Worthing FC. Often a loan move can be the breakthrough point in a players career and Rees told us about his personal experience and how he found it.

RR: “Going on loan to Worthing was a good thing for me and a great experience, getting first team minutes playing against men as a 17 year old is a good thing. As a keeper, it’s important to do this and go out on loan as you can’t just walk into the first team at your own club with no first team experience! It’s definitely one of many loans I will have before I play for Brighton first team. It’s a good stepping stone. It has given me challenges that academy football does not give you so this is a big positive, not many academy players get this opportunity.”

Roco Rees on loan at Worthing FC

There are many ways that a player can grow and develop. Going on loan is obviously a huge stepping stone and training often and efficiently as well. As well as this, another way that a player can really improve their game is by learning the techniques and styles of other great players. Rees has the opportunity of playing with one of the best keepers in the Premier League, Mat Ryan. We asked Rees if he’d had a chance to talk with him and gain some tips.

RR: “Yes I have spoke and trained with Maty, he’s definitely someone that you can look up to and learn from. I can pick up bits from his game, try them out and put them into my game. He talks about how he can’t rely on his size or frame because he’s not the biggest so he has to work harder on other things. He’s very professional on and off the pitch, he does everything right, he’s a great role model. 

Roco Rees training at Brighton

I asked Rees what his ambitions for the future are and where he saw himself playing his football in the next year, the next three years and the next ten years.

RR: “I think I see myself going on loan and working up the leagues, hopefully next year playing conference, then year after year move up. Hopefully then in four or five years time I should be playing a high standard. In 10 years I’d love to be looked at as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Finally, due to COVID-19, footballers haven’t been able to train or play matches and all grassroots football and academy games were cancelled. I asked Rees what he’s doing to stay fit during this period.

RR: “Coronavirus has been unfortunate but people’s safety is more important than a game of football but we’ll see what happens. I have been training pretty much everyday and doing gym sessions at home. It’s just trying to tick over and stay fit then when I return I can have a great start.

Rees clearly has a great mentality and a positive mindset and he is definitely a player to look out for over the coming years along with the newest wave of English talent.

Make sure to stay posted on Half-Time Orange for more interviews coming soon with players from Tottenham, Chelsea, Derby and more!