Summary:
You've heard of a footballer's freestyle skills - but how about a defender's?

Full article:
France defender Mamadou Sakho is best known for his no-nonsense, tough-tackling defending - but he showed off his more subtle freestyling skills during training. The Liverpool centre back performed keepy-ups before controlling the ball expertly on his knee. The 24-year-old missed France's 2-0 last-16 victory over Nigeria through injury but has played a crucial role for Les Bleus so far in the tournament. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Mamadou Sakho's freestyle skills during France training . Skills: Mamadou Sakho flicked the ball up to himself during France training ahead of quarter-final . Back hell: The France defender then heels the ball up to himself as he continues his freestyling . Through the legs: Sakho hits the ball off his own foot between his legs as he continues to keep it up . Poise: Sakho controls the ball expertly on his knee as he continues his freestyling routine . And he could be fit for France's quarter-final showdown with Germany on Friday. If this video is anything to go by then he could well be available for selection against Joachim Low's side. The European giants face each other at the Maracana Stadium in in Rio de Janeiro vying for a place in the final four. Doubt: Sakho missed France's 2-0 last-16 victory over Nigeria due to an injury . Race: Sakho (left) could be back in time for France's quarter-final with Germany on Friday .