Barcelona defender Jules Kounde and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni have worked with a leading neuroscientist this summer in hope of improving their mental abilities.
The two Frenchmen, who play for their country's senior side but also came through the ranks together at Bordeaux, have remained close despite joining two of football's most fierce rivals in Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Kounde and Tchouameni both spent part of their summer holidays out in the United States, and according to Relevo, they made use of a top neuroscientist based in Los Angeles.
Ash Parker of Neurovision was recommended to Kounde and Tchouameni by French physio Fabrice Gautier in order to help with their mental strength.
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Discussing his role in the past, Parker said: "My job is to improve the perception of the information that comes to the footballer through the senses. In short, to process stimuli faster and better. Neurological exercises are like learning to ride a bike: once you know, your brain no longer forgets it.
"The world of soccer is more open-minded than American sports when it comes to implementing these tools. They are willing to do anything to improve."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought in Parker to work with his Manchester United team during his spell as manager, while Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo has utilised his services recently too.
Kounde and Tchouameni will both be heading back to the US later this month for their respective club's pre-season tours. Barcelona and Real Madrid will face each other in Dallas on July 29 as part of their preparations for the new campaign.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Jules Kounde & Aurelien Tchouameni visit neuroscientist to improve mental strength.