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Every young footballer who has stood out on the pitch since childhood has heard: "You have great talent, you'll go far!" However, football is not just about talent. Many players who excelled in their youth find themselves hitting a wall they can't seem to break through. No promotion to the first team, no interest from better clubs, stagnation—it can be frustrating. How can you deal with this and get back on the right track?
STOP THINKING OF YOURSELF AS A "GREAT TALENT"
Maybe you've been told for years that you're special. This might have led you to subconsciously believe that success will come naturally. In reality, football rewards those who combine talent with hard work, not just those who were the best in their younger years.
???? Change your mindset: Instead of thinking, "I should already be in a top club," focus on asking yourself, "What can I improve to earn my next step?"
IDENTIFY THE REASON FOR YOUR STAGNATION
Time for a brutal analysis. Why aren't you progressing? Ask yourself these honest questions:
- Do you have the right attitude towards training?
- Are you developing your weaknesses?
- Are you taking care of your nutrition and recovery?
- Do you work on your mental strength?
- Are you improving your off-the-ball movement and game intelligence?
- Do you have the right agent and people supporting your career?
???? Take action: Gather feedback from coaches, analyze your matches, and list your strengths and weaknesses. If you struggle with speed, start individual sprint training. If you’re not getting chances in your club, look for a loan opportunity.
WORK HARDER THAN OTHERS
If you want to be among the elite, you must train like the elite. The greatest players don’t limit themselves to club training—they have their own development sessions.
???? Cristiano Ronaldo stayed after training as a young player to improve his dribbling and shooting.
???? Robert Lewandowski underwent a major physical transformation that allowed him to reach a world-class level.
???? Plan extra work:
- Mental training (e.g., visualization, meditation, sports psychology).
- Individual sessions with a technical or fitness coach.
- Video analysis of your performances—what can be improved?
- Focus on diet and recovery.
CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT IF NECESSARY
If you haven't been given chances in your club for a long time, it may be time to consider a change. It's not about running away at the first difficulty, but if you have no real opportunity to play, don’t be afraid to move on.
???? Remember: A better league is not always a better option. Sometimes it's better to step down a level and play regularly than to sit on the bench at a higher club.
DEAL WITH PRESSURE AND SELF-DOUBT
When you don't see progress, you might start doubting yourself. This is normal, but it's crucial not to let it take over.
???? Find motivation – remind yourself why you started playing football.
???? Don’t compare yourself to others – everyone has their own path. Jamie Vardy played in lower leagues before becoming a Premier League star.
???? Focus on daily goals – don’t think "I need to be in a top club," but rather "Today, I will improve my shooting/agility/decision-making."
BE READY FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES
In football, everything can change in an instant. You might get an unexpected offer, a chance to play due to someone else's injury—but the key is whether you will be ready for it.
???? Take action: Always stay in top form, both mentally and physically. Train as if you were about to get a call from a big club tomorrow.
SUMMARY
???? Don’t live in the past – talent is just the beginning, the rest depends on hard work.
???? Analyze your game and improve your weaknesses.
???? Train harder than others, approach your career professionally.
???? If necessary, change your environment – play where you can develop.
???? Take care of your mentality – pressure and stagnation are part of the journey to success.
Remember—many footballers have been where you are now. What you decide to do will determine your future. Will you give up, or will you push through the crisis and come back stronger? Your move. ⚽????
