Juan Mata and David de Gea impressed by youngster's self isolation goalkeeper training video

The Manchester United stars were impressed with the dedication shown amid the coronavirus lockdown

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Manchester City - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - March 8, 2020 Manchester United's David de Gea celebrates after the match REUTERS/Phil NoblShow more

Manchester United stars Juan Mata, David de Gea and a host of other big names from the footballing world have voiced their support for a football-mad youngster working hard on his skills during the coronavirus pandemic.

The boy, Nathan, has become an internet sensation after his mother, Sarah-Jayne Tobin, shared a video of him practising in the back garden in Dublin.

He showed great imagination to come up with a mighty-effective goalkeeping drill that involved a wall.

"When you're a goalkeeper... and an only child ... in self isolation ... and trying to keep up with your training...came up with this himself! I'm so impressed," she tweeted.

When you’re a goalkeeper... and an only child... in self isolation... and trying to keep up with your training... 😂😂came up with this himself! I’m so impressed. #coronavirus #StayHomeStaySafe pic.twitter.com/FFzJ1LE3N1

— Sarah-Jayne Tobin (@TheSJTobin) March 23, 2020

And as the video made its way around the social media spheres, the star names were quick to give their approval.

Spaniard Mata offered to practise free-kicks against him "when this is all over", while de Gea simply said "love it".

One day, if he wants, and when all this is over, I would like to practice my freeckicks with him on goal! What do you think? 🙌 https://t.co/Brl6omumf4

— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) March 23, 2020

Love it! 💪🏼😍 https://t.co/Xmdp3ZDXf6

— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) March 23, 2020

Goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel said "nothing, not not even an evil virus like the Covid-19 should stop a talented goalkeeper from working on getting better. Well done young man."

Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster labelled the youngster "a legend" and said he needs to keep going with it.

What a legend!!!! I don’t know how we’re gonna be able to do it but I’m gonna have to put a training session on for ya!!!! Keep going mate I love it👌👌👍👍👏👏

— Ben Foster (@BenFoster) March 23, 2020

Meanwhile, sports brands including Pro Direct Soccer and Adidas swiftly picked up on the story and were offering Nathan free equipment.

@thesjtobin We’ll have some fresh boots, goalie gloves and kit ready for this epic match up. 😍 #hometeam

— adidas UK (@adidasUK) March 23, 2020

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Fellaini, Dybala and other sports stars to test positive

Former Manchester United player Marouane Fellaini tested positive in China where he plays for Shandong Luneng. He has now been discharged. Reuters

Juventus' Paulo Dybala said both he and his girlfriend Oriana tested positive though both were in "perfect conditions". AP Photo

Milan's sports director and club legend Paolo Maldini and his son Daniel, who plays for the same club, tested positive for Covid-19. A statement from the club said both are well. EPA

Wu Lei of Espanyol. "Wu Lei has mild symptoms and is currently undergoing treatment," the CFA said in a statement, adding that they had been given the news by La Liga strugglers Espanyol. The 28-year-old striker, China's best-known player, is in self-isolation at home in Barcelona, Xinhua news agency said. Getty Images

Kevin Durant is reportedly among four Brooklyn Nets players who have tested positive for the coronavirus and are in isolation. The injured Durant, who has yet to play for the Nets since signing for the team last year, confirmed to The Athletic website he had tested positive for the virus. "Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We're going to get through this," Durant was quoted as saying. AFP

Juventus confirmed on Tuesday night that French midfielder Blaise Matuidi had become the second player from the club to test positive for the coronavirus. Italian defender Daniele Rugani was the first player to play in Serie A to test positive last week. EPA

Valencia's Eliaquim Mangala, left, was one of five players and staff at the club to test positive. "I'm feeling good and I have no symptoms associated with the virus. However, I am confined in house and separated from my family," he said on Twitter. AP Photo

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive on March 14 but said he was "feeling better already" the following day. Staff who had been in contact with him were self-isolating. AFP

Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert, who apologized for his careless actions before he was diagnosed with novel coronavirus, has pledged to donate more than half a million dollars to health services and arena workers affected by the pandemic. AFP

Valencia's Ezequiel Garay was the first La Liga player to test positive on March 15. "I tested positive for coronavirus, I feel very well and now all that's left is to do what the health authorities say, which is to isolate myself," he said on Instagram. All football is suspended in Spain. EPA

Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi was the first Premier League player to test positive. He said on Twitter on March 13: "As you may be aware I had the virus for the last couple of days which I have recovered from. I am following the health guidelines and self-isolating myself from everybody for the week. I hope to see everybody soon and hopefully will be back on the pitch very soon. Reuters

Juventus' Italian defender Daniele Rugani was confirmed to have the virus on March 12. "You've read the news, so I want to reassure everyone who's worried about me, I'm fine," Rugani said on Twitter. The entire Juventus squad is to spend two weeks in quarantine. AFP

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell was the second NBA player to contract the virus. The NBA season has been suspended. AP Photo

Manolo Gabbiadini of Sampdoria is one of five players to have tested positive at the club. "I still want to tell you that I'm fine, so don't worry. Follow all the rules, stay at home and everything will work out," said Gabbiadini on Twitter. PA Wire.

Sampdoria's Omar Colley, right, was confirmed to have coronavirus. Lapresse via AP

Albin Ekdal of Sampdoria tested positive. Italy is one of the worst affected countries. Getty Images

Fabio Depaoli, left of Sampdoria, said on Instagram that he was "fine" after testing positive. Getty Images

Morten Thorsby, left, was one of five Sampdoria footballers to test positive. Lapresse via AP

Fiorentina foward Patrick Cutrone, on loan from Premier League Wolves, is one of three players to test positive at the club. EPA

German Pezzella, right, of Fiorentina, said on Instagram that his symptoms had disappeared after he tested positive. EPA

Fiorentina's Dusan Vlahovic was another confirmed case. Fiorentina said in a statement on March 13: "The club is in the process of undertaking all the necessary isolation procedures in accordance with the regulations, starting with identifying all the people who have had contact with the player." EPA

Hannover's Timo Hubers, right, was the first player in Germany to be diagnosed.  Reuters

Paderborn's Luca Kilian tested positive. The Bundesliga has been suspended until April 2. EPA