In a new series, I intend to find out which factors affect a player reaching his potential, including examples to follow and examples to avoid. Part 1: Versatility - a poisoned chalice? http://hitrowz.com/2013/07/16/fulfilling-potential-part-1/
interesting article and a topic very close to my heart. i watched joe cole play aged 13 in a schools tournament (i had the privilege of playing against him - thankfully i wasn't marking him) and he was by a considerable distance the best 13 year old kid i've ever seen play the game and i've been around the country watching youth matches. to say i 'raved about him' would be an understatement and i followed every step he took since that day! by the time i watched him again aged 15 i was convinced i'd seen the future cap record holder for england. on the face of it he's had a pretty good career but if you'd seen him, like i did, at 13, you'd be bitterly disappointed by how his career panned out. he really was so special at that age but as you say, so many factors come into how a players career turns out.
I remember 'Arry raving about him too, saying, "A kid on our books is going to be a huge England star of the future!" So near yet so far!
Yes I found interesting I always thought more could have been made of Daryl Sutch (sp?) as he could play just about anywhere.... so was always on the bench it seemed! I also remember thinking that Joe Cole was wasted in some of the positions he played. I think like the article said when they get a position make sure they are good enough to be first choice and then if you are playing in another make sure you are good enough to be in the side in at least one of them lol
