James Milner backed for fight career by MMA star after Brighton training session
Brighton and Hove Albion duo ready for the cage after Christian Eckerlin set-piece session
They say the Premier League is more physical these days - especially when attacking or defending set-pieces.
Brighton are often a club that takes an alternative approach and head coach Fabian Hurzeler called in German MMA fighter Christian Eckerlin to pass on a few grappling tips.
Eckerlin, known as the King of Frankfurt, had a session with the Seagulls at their Lancing training ground and was impressed with what he saw from the Premier League club.
He even pointed out skipper Lewis Dunk and veteran midfielder James Milner as players who had that "fighting spirit".
"The team did well in general, but James Milner and Lewis Dunk really stood out," Eckerlin told Flashscore.
"They have that fighting spirit and needed aggression in them, but also learned very quickly with great body composure.
"They should certainly try it out and I'd love to support them with training and everything else."
Fight for every inch
The German fighter also believes that his combat hints and tips will be useful anywhere on the pitch and not just set-pieces.
"Any situation in the box becomes a fight for every inch. You have to be ready to stand your ground and not let anyone bully you.
“That's my one simple rule to defending set pieces: fight for every inch, simple as that," he said.
Hurzeler, 33, is known to be a boxing and combat sports fans and felt his team needed a bit of training to deal with the physical side of the Premier League.
Eckerlin added: “Fabian Hurzeler wanted to improve his team in that regard (set pieces). He felt it was a good idea to bring me in, so I was contacted by his coaching staff.
"I did appreciate the modern facilities and the general attitude of the whole team. Every player came out with an open mind and to learn. They made the workout very easy and I'm sure they also had a good time. I feel they were very open to it.
"Fighting is something natural, and everyone is sort of attracted to it. Football players are no different in that regard.”
Don’t mess with Dunk or Milner
Seventh placed Brighton will hope to use their new found fight skills on the final day of the season as they welcome Manchester United to the Amex Stadium.
A win for the Seagulls would see them qualify for the Europa League. There’s plenty to fight for and United have been warned.... don’t mess with Milner of Dunk.