Real Madrid players following 'Cristiano Ronaldo method' to reach peak physical condition ahead of new season: Reports

Real Madrid players have followed in the footsteps of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo to develop physically. According to Spanish outlet AS journalist Carlos Anongono, the Portuguese icon's training methods are still followed at the club.

The report claims that special emphasis has been laid on continuous self-improvement, professionalism and additional attention to nutrition. These were believed to be driving forces behind the 39-year-old's exploits not only with Los Blancos but throughout his career.

Ronaldo joined the club from Manchester United in 2009 and went on to establish himself as one of the greatest in the sport's history. He won the Ballon d'Or four times while in Spain, while also lifting four Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey twice. Overall, he made 438 appearances for the side, scoring 450 times and setting up 131 more.

Despite leaving six years ago, he seems to continue to have a huge influence at Real Madrid. French superstar Kylian Mbappe, who completed a long-anticipated move to the Bernabeu this summer, paid homage to the Al-Nassr star by mimicking many of the Portuguese's actions in his presentation ceremony.

Toni Kroos heaps praise on young Real Madrid star

Retired Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos earmarked Arda Guler as a player to watch in the future. The German was full of praise for the youngster's finishing ability and his mindset in training.

Speaking to Sky Germany, he said:

“He has a bright future ahead of him if he stays healthy. What makes him different from other young talents is the fact that he is open to the learning process. Ever since he joined the club he paid so much attention to everything we were doing before and after every training session. It’s not easy to find players like that nowadays,” said Kroos.

“He really wants to keep learning and improving. His finishing ability and his left foot are amazing, we all noticed it since the very first training session,” he added.

Guler joined Los Blancos for a reported €20 million in the summer of 2023 as one of Europe's highly-rated prospects after an impressive season with Turkish side Fenerbahce.

However, he found it difficult to break into Real Madrid's star-studded lineup after suffering an injury early on in the season. He was impressive towards the end of the campaign, bagging six goals in 12 games for the side.