Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies shares career advice and superstitions
Canada international Alphonso Davies has revealed what it is that has made him such a runaway success in his short time at Bayern Munich.
The 19-year-old crowned his breakthrough campaign at Bayern by winning a Bundesliga, DFB Cup and UEFA Champions League treble. He was named the Bundesliga's Rookie of the Season, and could yet claim the 2020 Golden Boy award.
Not every aspiring footballer will reach Phonzy's great heights, but they should have fun trying - at least according to the man himself.
"Just enjoy playing football," Davies advised as part of a fan q&a on the YouTube channel he shares with girlfriend Jordan Huitema, the Paris Saint-Germain and Canada forward.
"Enjoy being out there with your friends, kicking a ball around. You're fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play the beautiful game. Just enjoy every moment you have."
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If a smile is a measure of happiness, Davies is loving life. His ear-to-ear grin and pearly whites are almost as famous as the searing pace that have earned him the 'FC Bayern Road Runner' moniker. He's the fastest man in the Bundesliga, but might just be the happiest, too.
Having been born in a Ghanaian refugee camp before gaining asylum in Canada at the age of five, Davies takes nothing in life for granted. The only thing he puts before his love of football is his acclaimed left foot.
"My left foot has to go in the shorts first," he explained when asked about his superstitions and rituals.
"When I'm putting on my shirt, obviously my head, but then my left arm. Basically my whole left side of the body has to go in the clothes, or whatever it is that I'm doing, first. That's my superstition."
Watch: Alphonso Davies - a natural left-sider
There is clearly something to be said for Davies' faith in good luck. Of his 49 competitive appearances for Bayern since joining the club from Vancouver Whitecaps in January 2019, he has experienced 40 wins, drawing four and losing five.
Davies has registered four goals and nine assists in that time, and lifted five trophies - a domestic double in 2019/20, plus last season's treble. 'Stage fright' isn't in his vocabulary.
"Game day routine: I don’t have one," he admitted. "I just go out there and do my thing."
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