The Nutmeg is My Favourite Dribbling Skill- Bertrand Traore

Bertrand Traore is the latest player to discuss
football technique, both in his early life and since
turning professional...
How old were you when you first started playing
football?
It was as far back as I can remember. I grew up with
football and I was always playing at home as a kid. I
was probably around four when I first started kicking
a ball.

At what age did you start playing for a team?
It would have been when I went to school that I
started playing for a team. Before that I would just
play in the streets with my friends, but when I started
at school I began to play for a proper team. I was
probably 11.
How old were you when you mastered keepy-
uppies?
I can't remember exactly but I was very young
because that was something I tried to do from a very
early age.
Outside of Chelsea, who is the most skilful player
you have played with or against?
That's a tough question because I have played with
many. I would have to say Jonathan Pitroipa, who I
have played with for the Burkina Faso national team.
What is the best piece of skill you've seen in a
match by another player?
Last season Eden did so many but I would say the run
he went on against Arsenal before he got brought
down for a penalty. That was amazing.
As a youngster, which skills did you work on
most?
When I was younger I always liked to do nutmegs on
the opposition players so that was probably the skill I
practiced most.
Is that your favourite skill to do in a match?
Yes, definitely.
What is the best piece of skill you've done in a
match?
The best goal I scored was in the Under-17 African
Cup against Egypt. This season, when we played
against Stoke in the Capital One Cup I did a nutmeg
which was nice, and another good goal was one I
scored for Vitesse last season against Willem II
. I hit it first time with my left foot and it
went in the far corner.
What advice would you give to youngsters
working on their skills?
Try, try and try again. When you see something in a
game take your ball and keep practicing until you get
to the level you want to be at.
Source: Chelseafc