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Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos is a goal machine thanks to David Beckham

Spaniard did hours of extra training with ex-England captain and Ronaldo during Galacticos era, reveals former coach

REAL MADRID star Sergio Ramos is so deadly at set-pieces thanks to hours of extra training he did with David Beckham and Ronaldo, a former Los Blancos coach has revealed.

The Spain centre-back - who will captain Real against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night - has become almost impossible to defend against when high balls are whipped in.

 Ramos celebrates one of his 10 goals this season
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Ramos celebrates one of his 10 goals this seasonCredit: Getty Images
 Ramos sends the 2014 Champions League final into extra time
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Ramos sends the 2014 Champions League final into extra timeCredit: Reuters

His most famous headed goal from a set-piece helped Real win their 10th European Cup, against city rivals Atletico, in 2014.

Ramos is currently enjoying his best season in terms of goalscoring, having hit the net 10 times so far - more than Gareth Bale (9), Isco (7) and James Rodriguez (6).

And now Brazilian coach Paulo Campos, who was assistant to compatriot Vanderlei Luxemburgo at Real in 2005-06, has revealed how Ramos became so clinical.

"When training had finished, Sergio always stayed on with [Iker] Casillas, Ronaldo and Beckham, working on crosses, free-kicks and finishing," Campos told ESPN Brasil.

"At least three times a week they did this for 40 minutes, until they were exhausted. Sergio always wanted to be training with the best guys."

 Ramos gives Becks a cheeky kiss during their time at Real
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Ramos gives Becks a cheeky kiss during their time at RealCredit: Getty Images

Ramos, who moved to Real from Sevilla in 2005 for £23 million, was determined to learn from the 'Galacticos' he was now surrounded by.

As well as Beckham and Ronaldo, the 19-year-old found himself alongside the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Raul and Robinho.

"He was always watching them closely in training, he always wanted to learn and improve," said Campos.

 Ramos joined a Real side featuring Ronaldo, Zidane and Beckham
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Ramos joined a Real side featuring Ronaldo, Zidane and BeckhamCredit: Epa

Campos said Ramos had become almost impossible to defend against, and that he would use two men to stop his former protege.

"He's not that tall but his timing is extraordinary and his vertical leap is absurd," said Campos.


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"It seems the ball always goes to him, but actually he understands where it will be.

"It's so difficult to defend against. You need to find a way to nullify the move.

 Ramos celebrates scoring against Barcelona last December
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Ramos celebrates scoring against Barcelona last DecemberCredit: Getty Images

"If I was the coach, I would put one man stuck right on him and another nearby watching the flight of the ball towards him."

Ramos, now 31, has amassed a stunning collection of honours, including a World Cup and two European Championships with Spain, plus two Champions Leagues and three La Ligas with Real.

 Ramos now captains the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo
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Ramos now captains the likes of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty Images

Campos is not surprised, saying: "From the start we saw he was hard working and ambitious, and he grew quickly.

"It's no surprise that he has been a Real first-team player for a decade.

"Nowadays he helps the younger players and is an inspiration for them."

 

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