Tottenham and Aston Villa target working on key skill for De Zerbi and Emery

Benfica goalkeeper Trubin, a former target for Tottenham and Aston Villa, is working with Cristiano Ronaldo's personal trainer to improve his ball-playing skills while fighting to reclaim his starting place.

Anatoliy Trubin was on the radar of Tottenham, Aston Villa and Leeds United when he was Benfica's first-choice goalkeeper, but he remained in Lisbon after losing his place to Samuel Soares. The 24-year-old Ukrainian has since used his extra free time to work with Julerson Dias, the Brazilian trainer who works with Cristiano Ronaldo, focusing entirely on ball control and technique rather than traditional goalkeeper drills.

Trubin explained that with Benfica sometimes playing only once a week, he had two days off to fill and decided to invest in improving his feet. Dias runs APEX, a company whose clients include Bruno Fernandes, João Cancelo and Rafael Leão. The goalkeeper is also training his eyesight and reactions with Portuguese sports vision specialist Patrícia Rodrigues, who has previously worked with Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Both De Zerbi and Emery place considerable demands on their goalkeepers in possession, with playing out from the back a key part of their football. Trubin's technical work could make him a more appealing option for either manager, though there is no indication Benfica have lowered their €40m valuation or that either English club are preparing another approach.