It has been revealed that Burnley striker Lyle Foster has been learning closely from a former Premier League striker who scored 81 goals in England's top division.
Check Out: Kompany: Foster Has Showed Signs...
Earlier this year, the 23-year-old candidly opened up about the mental health struggles he experienced in Belgium, admitting in a wide-ranging radio interview that he even had suicidal thoughts and pushed for a return to South Africa.
Instead, however, Foster jumped at the chance to sign for Burnley when the Clarets came knocking, but his adaptation to life in England was not as smooth as he might have hoped, scoring just once in his 11 appearances in the EFL Championship following his January arrival.
Things are looking up for the Bafana Bafana international in the Premier League, though, with the forward having already contributed to four league goals in his first five matches.
His most recent strike came in a 2-1 win over Luton Town, Burnley's first victory of the campaign, earlier this week, in a performance that has earned him praise from Vincent Kompany and supporters in England.
Reacting to that game, The Athletic journalist Andy Jones has detailed some of the steps Foster has taken since former Liverpool striker and current Burnley assistant manager Craig Bellamy started working closely with him.
"He had only netted once in the Championship so Bellamy took him under his wing. In meticulous detail, the 44-year-old went through clips, analysing and focusing on improving Foster's movement and breaking into space, alongside link-up play," Jones wrote.
"Help from his family and Westerlo was critical and Burnley, together with manager Vincent Kompany and his assistant Bellamy (who has been open about his own mental health battles) have offered valuable support."
Specifically discussing Foster's performance against Luton, Jones said the South African striker was always "one step ahead" of his opponents.
"He wanted a physical battle with the opposition defenders. He used his body to establish position when controlling long balls. He was one step ahead, consistently sharper than those around him. There was neat interplay, with Foster dropping deep or stretching the game," he added.
"His evening ended prematurely due to cramp, a testament to the amount of work he got through. Even after treatment, he was determined to soldier on. Eventually he admitted defeat.
Check Out: Pep Labels Shock City Player 'One Of The Best' He's Coached
"But this was another impressive all-round performance. His doubters are being silenced with every performance."
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments
WATCH VIDEO:
