What Sets You Apart?: The Qualities and Lifestyle of a Professional Footballer

Many players will ask what coaches look for that sets players apart from others. Most think it's different qualities on the field and how they play, and while it definitely comes down to their performance on the field, many players don't know that a majority of what is seen on the field are direct outcomes of the type of lifestyle they're living off the field.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

To actually be successful in any challenging career you have to be willing to do what 99% of others aren't. The hardest fact for many young footballers to face is that majority of the time they aren't willing to do the work. They talk a lot about what they're going to do and what it'll be like when they've got their first contract but in reality it's not about these end goals. To really set yourself apart, start by keeping your commitments to yourself. You said you'd go out and get 1,000 touches on the ball. Do it. You said you wanted to improve your shooting, yet haven't gone out on your own to practice. No one but yourself is going to hold you accountable as you get older and that's why to gain the edge you need to be successful it's best to learn this crucial lesson now. Start building your reputation with yourself that you have the inner discipline to make little improvements over time, so that when the time comes to perform in front of coaches, it obvious you've put in those extra hours.

Making It At The Highest Levels

The dream to become a professional footballer is shared by a plethora of youth footballers, but what many of them will come to realize too late is that in order to obtain something so sought after you have to be willing to make sacrifices others aren't. Are you willing to skip a class party or family event to go to training? Are you willing to stay up late doing homework because your practice doesn't finish till 9pm? Coaches and scouts at the highest levels are looking for players that embody a professional athlete. If you're waiting to start acting like a professional athlete til you've signed your first contract, then I have some bad news... it's probably not coming anytime soon. To get ahead of the curve you have to be able to prove through your lifestyle that playing professionally is what you want.

"Ok I'm Ready To Get Serious"

So now you know that you have to dial in. Here's where you can start... not only does your performance start off the field, but it starts with what is on your plate. Eating properly and giving yourself the right nutrients is essential to your game. Getting in the gym and working on building strength is also going to give you an advantage when you can hold your own on the field. One of the most important qualities to develop at the highest levels is your mental strength. Can you take constructive criticism and apply it? Are you able to move on from a mistake and make your next play better? Being mentally tough in these types of situations will also show coaches that you've built yourself up and have enough self-confidence in your abilities that you can overcome adversity.

No one will take you seriously if you don't take yourself seriously. When you start treating yourself like a professional athlete, others will start to recognize those changes too. Don't blame your situation on factors you can't control. Take what you can control and get to work.