BOSS Jonathan Woodgate explained how Arnaut Danjuma is balancing his duties as a professional footballer alongside the Islamic festival Ramadan, insisting: "He's doing all the right things."

Observed by Muslims worldwide, Ramadan lasts for one month and this year began on April 12.

During that time, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours, fasting until the sun goes down. It is said to help teach self-discipline and a focus on faith, prayer and reflection.

Nutrition is widely considered a key component for a professional footballer, especially pre and post-match meals.

Posting on Instagram last week, Danjuma wrote: "Empty the stomach, to feed the soul."

Since Ramadan 2021 began, the Dutchman has been in fine form for Cherries, starting each of their four matches, scoring twice.

In the Premier League on Monday evening, Leicester City's match against Crystal Palace was briefly paused during the first half.

As the game was an evening kick-off, sunset naturally occurred, meaning it provided the chance for practicing Muslims Wesley Fofana of Leicester and Palace midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate to receive energy gels on the side of the pitch at around 8.30pm.

The decision was agreed pre-match between the clubs and referee Graham Scott, with Vicente Guaita delaying a goal kick to allow for Fofana and Kouyate to take the gels on board before resuming the contest.

After the 2-1 Foxes victory, Fofana tweeted: "Just wanted to thank the Premier League as well as Crystal Palace, Vicente Guaita and all the Foxes for allowing me to break my fast in the middle of the game.

"That's what makes football wonderful."

Asked how Cherries have helped Danjuma during Ramadan, Woodgate told the Daily Echo: "I’ve had numerous meetings with Arnie and he’s in a great place.

"He’s going through Ramadan at the minute and it’s his faith. We go with exactly what he believes in and it’s the right thing to do.

"What he’s doing at the minute, he’s preparing really, really well for it as well. He’s got a chef round his house when he can eat and when he wakes up he’s ready to go.

"He’s got a private masseur, so he’s doing all the right things.

"He’s preparing really well and he’s letting me know he’s preparing really well as well. He doesn’t want to rest any games and he doesn’t like being brought off, but I have to look after the player.

"I have to look after the team at the end of the day as well."

Woodgate added: "It’s his own personal one (chef). So his diet is bang on at the minute. He feels really good, he feels refreshed, so that’s perfect for me.

"He’s got the bit between his teeth at the minute, Arnie. He’s really enjoying his football.

"He looks like he’s enjoying it when he goes out there. He wants to score goals, he wants to assist, so it’s full credit down to him.

"But he’s looking after himself off the pitch as well, which is vital."

Discussing the club's role in respecting the religious beliefs of the players, Woodgate added: "It’s really important. We need to buy into everyone’s culture.

"That’s from the club’s point of view. I know Jimmy Glass (player liaison officer) does a lot on that.

"It’s important that every single player has their own faith and it’s good for Arnie. He’s enjoying it and he’s loving his football."