Mamba mentality, Cristiano Ronaldo, hill sprints and plenty of fruit and veg - the secrets to Madger Gomes' flying start to the season

Madger Gomes. Picture: Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD

"Mamba mentality is about 4am workouts, doing more than the next guy and then trusting in the work you’ve put in when it’s time to perform."

Those are the words of Kobe Bryant, the basketball legend famed for his incredible work ethic and commitment to greatness - words which inspire Doncaster Rovers midfielder Madger Gomes.

The 23-year-old Spaniard has worked tirelessly on his fitness over the summer, posting videos on social media of his sessions at Cantley Park.

Madger Gomes with his EFL Player of the Month award for September. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD

He also hired a personal trainer on the recommendation of former Rovers goalkeeper Marko Marosi - Ross White from Nuffield Health Doncaster - to be in peak condition for when Rovers reported back to training in August.

Gomes flew out of the traps, scoring in four of Doncaster's first five competitive games and was today named League One Player of the Month for September - much to the delight of Ross.

"Madger's a great lad with an infectious personality and I'm really pleased for him," said Ross, who also has an FA Football Management degree.

"He's worked incredibly hard so it's been fantastic to see that work pay off on the pitch.

Madger Gomes gave one of his Rovers shirts to personal trainer Ross White as a thank you gift.

"We did hill sprints next to the stadium and a lot of running, which has been key to his game, getting box-to-box.

"Alongside that we did strength and conditioning work, weights, circuits, ball work, shooting practice and we’ve chatted about the psychological side of the game.

"He's got his diet and sleep patterns absolutely spot on - I've seen him going into the shop and buying £70 worth of fruit and vegetables!

"He's always on about the Mamba mentality, working harder than your opponent, and Cristiano Ronaldo is also a big inspiration to him.

"His attitude and the way he applies himself is top class and he does it with a smile on his face.

"He deserves this success and now the challenge for him is to keep it going."

Gomes sent a personal message of thanks to Ross after discovering he had won the EFL award.