Tyrell Malacia is one of the names that has been on the lips of all Manchester United fans since his arrival at the club.
Initially suggested to join French club Lyon from Feyenoord, United moved quickly at the last minute, following a directive from Erik ten Hag to secure his signing. What a signing it has been so far!
The young defender has steadily gained a following, who have fallen in love with his passion, aggressiveness and masterful defending. So impressive has Malacia been that he has dethroned Luke Shaw as the starting left-back.
The player’s personal trainer, Jordan Kroon, attributes his client and friend’s success in England to his work ethic, determination to always improve and his humility.
Speaking exclusively to the UtdDistrict, Kroon commented, “Tyrell started working with me in corona season. He was looking for something to develop his skill set and his strength and conditioning and his mental game.”
“At the time, he was Feyenoord’s third left-back so he wasn’t playing at all, so he needed to develop his game and that was the main reason he started working with me.”
Since the move from Malacia, Kroon said they have adapted their training. He regularly sends the player his programs and makes sure they communicate on a daily basis.
Regarding Malacia’s attitude, the coach pointed out: “He is just doing his thing there and he is a boy who is always looking to improve and take the next steps. He is always outworking the manager. [has] I ask.”
“Most of the time, he is the last player in the Manchester United training ground to leave and in the dressing room to leave. Most of the time, at the end of the day, he calls me and films the dressing room, and everyone is already gone. So that’s a good thing.”
Kroon described the 23-year-old as someone who isn’t really sociable. He said that the player was not on social media or going out to social events as is the norm with many other footballers.
“He’s really a guy that’s really focused and he’s looking forward to every game and he’s looking forward to developing his game and he’s always thinking, ‘How can I get better? Where can I do things better? How am I going to spend tomorrow? When is the next training?
Asked what they have been working on to improve Malacia’s game, Kroon highlighted explosiveness, physical strength and mental toughness.
This was evident in the Dutchman’s recent displays in the way he handled Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka, two different but speedy and extremely skilled wingers. Malacia closed both and limited them to scrap. Fans certainly know that they have a gem on their hands in Malacia.
