Football is a game that requires pace and power. No matter what position you are playing, you need muscles to compete. Even the most creative players still need to use brawn to get the most out of their brains.

 
The favourite fuel to feed the muscle is protein. Individual proteins contain 20 amino acids, all having different roles - just like the perfect team on the pitch.

How do amino acids help footballers?

Amino acids are a key part of a healthy football diet. They influence the function of organs, glands, tendons and arteries.

Protein in the diet breaks down into individual amino acids. It is then put back together again as a new protein; this process is called 'protein biosynthesis', which helps to repair and build muscles for football.

What are the essential amino acids?

These are the nine essential amino acids we need to get from our diet because our bodies cannot produce them.

What are the non-essential amino acids?

The body can produce these amino acids.

How do we get them?

Natural protein sources - Meat, eggs & dairy products, nuts, seeds, grains

Supplementation - Tablets, powders & bars, energy drinks

Professional footballers are monitored throughout the season. They undergo individual training programs. To support this, the club's nutritionist creates specific programmes for every squad member.

These programmes will contain the exact amount of protein to make up the player's diet. This number can change, influenced by the stage of the season and training/playing schedules. It's important players monitor their energy balance changes to keep in shape.