Explained: Why do footballers cut holes in their socks?

Eagle-eyed fans who pay close attention may have noticed that a number of players are frequently missing a good chunk of fabric from their socks when they take to the field.

Jude Bellingham is one player who can be seen wearing garments more akin to a Swiss cheese block than a traditional sock given the number of holes in them, while the trend was also picked up on camera during the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Manchester City.

But there are good reasons why he and several other footballers choose to take the craft scissors to their apparel - and here, GOAL will explain all.

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Why do footballers cut holes in their socks?

Players generally cut holes in their socks in order to reduce pressure on the calf muscles, which are often restricted by the form-fitting, snug nature of the garment.

For players who have bulging leg muscles, socks can prove particularly restrictive, causing difficulties with effective bloodflow and circulation, as well as breathability.

Therefore, players will often move to cut up their socks, in order to remove the problem and help improve their game.

Footballers at the elite level are constantly striving for any little advantage and, if the chances of avoiding cramp are improved by cutting holes in socks, then you can be sure they will do that.

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Which players cut holes in their socks?

Bellingham is far from the first player to pick up the practice. It gained particular attention a number of years ago when Kyle Walker and Danny Rose were frequently spotted with their socks pockmarked by holes.

Former Valencia player Ezequiel Garay was once forced to change his socks for a fresh pair after the referee deemed his hole-strewn pair to be not befitting the sporting dress code.

Other players sometimes wear their socks low, like Jack Grealish, though the Manchester City man's choice reportedly comes down to superstition.