Victor Valdes took a team talk before his first ever game for Manchester United - and left his fellow players in awe.
The 32-year-old Spain goalkeeper gave the Under-21 squad an insight into the motivational techniques of his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.
Under-21 boss Warren Joyce said Valdes delivered a "brilliant" speech.
Valdes was preparing to compete in his first game since recovering from a serious knee injury.
He played for United's Under-21 side in a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village on Monday.
Valdes asked Joyce to play a video that told the story of veteran American athlete Díck Hoyt. (external)
For decades, Hoyt has pushed his quadriplegic son Rick in specially adapted wheelchairs while contesting marathons, triathlons and other endurance events.
"The lads are in the room listening to this," said Joyce. "It was unbelievable.
"I was going to do something but Victor said 'Guardiola used to do this'.
"He's a very humble guy and a model professional."
Valdes is still to make his first-team debut after joining United on a free transfer earlier this month.
Valdes team talk
posted on 27/1/15
He gave a team talk to bunch of tyros! Whoopee doo!
posted on 27/1/15
comment by Robb - My good man. (U19350)
posted 7 minutes ago
Really warming to Valdes. If ddg leaves I'd quite like to see him be given a chance.
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When not if...
posted on 27/1/15
Dick Hoyt is a modern day hero, man is an inspiration, no opinion on Valdes team talk but Hoyt is a special man
posted on 27/1/15
Sounds like he's the kind of man with the experience and positive attitude we need at the club. Great keeper than any club would love to have, I'm just curious how long he will be happy being a no.2 as he is far better than that.
We'll see I guess, in the mean time good to see him offering his experience to the younger lads.
posted on 27/1/15
comment by Robb - My good man. (U19350)
posted 1 hour, 54 minutes ago
Really warming to Valdes. If ddg leaves I'd quite like to see him be given a chance.
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My god
posted on 27/1/15
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 27/1/15
comment by The Guvnor III V.I.K-Give me a scotch.I'm... (U12889)
posted 7 minutes ago
Couldn't give a flying fack what he says as long as when called,upon he can deliver in goal.
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Well there you are then
posted on 27/1/15
Wait a minute, so Valdes gave a team talk where he talked about the time that his previous manager inspired him by showing a video of someone else? Is that basically it? So why don't I give a team talk where I press the play button on an MP3 of Sir Winston Churchill's Never Surrender speech? Would that make me an inspiration?
Also why was a 32 year old playing for the under 21 team?
posted on 27/1/15
You can play 2 overage players,unfortunately Dippers misread the rule and fielded 11 average players.
posted on 27/1/15
comment by (U19359)
posted 16 minutes ago
You can play 2 overage players,unfortunately Dippers misread the rule and fielded 11 average players.
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