MONTREAL- Soccer players are known as the fittest athletes in professional sports.
But for amateur player Nicolas Dupuis, it's his speed that is giving his competitors fits.
"That is usually what defenders are scared of when they see me coming," said the 18-year-old.
The St. Lambert native idolizes FC Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, and like his idol has a knack for finding the back of the net.
As a second-year player for the Champlain College, he is looked to as a leader.
But his coach, Mauro Di Ciocco, says he was originally recruited for his skill in deterring balls from ending up in the net.
"He's the type of player with explosive speed. He likes taking players on from wide positions, penetrating to goal," said Di Cocco.
Crucial for a striker, he is adept at kicking the ball with both feet.
"Shooting with his right foot, his left foot, he's just got a nose for the goal," said Di Cocco.
Nicolas plays on two elite level teams which keeps him on the field seven days a week.
It gives him lots of time to hone his skills and Nicolas hopes it will lead to a soccer scholarship either in the U.S. or Canada
"There's various opportunities you can have playing soccer in Canada now compared to a couple of years ago," said Nicolas.
But above all, his teammates recognize that Nicolas cares more about the win than he does individual glory.
"It's always about the team with him. It's never about him," said Antoine Noel
"He will do everything he can to help the team win."
