Arjen Robben Congratulations

26 May 2013
Through every drop of sweat, tear and blood, through all the enormous pressure, pain and struggle that comes with being a professional footballer, Arjen Robben had the shining moment of his career yesterday scoring that winning goal. Great player and great things happen to people who persist and be patient. Respect to him.

Through every drop of sweat, tear and blood, through all the enormous pressure, pain and struggle that comes with being a professional footballer, Arjen Robben had the shining moment of his career yesterday scoring that winning goal. Great player and great things happen to people who persist and be patient. Love watching him play. Respect to him!

Weekly Review 20th – 26th May 2013
I think I’m hitting some form again. Thursday’s training was 7v7’s against a combo of 1st/2nd team players. Played really well and by running in the inside channels, there’s a greater chance of getting a shot away, influencing the match by just getting involved and on the ball more.
There was a 3rd team match on Sunday which I got asked to play in. There weren’t any 2nd or 1st team matches so I just said I would go. Anyway, we ended up drawing 2-2. I assisted the first goal with a lovely diagonal cross on the right side and created a few chances. No doubt one of the best players on the pitch, but wouldn’t expect anything less from a 3rd team match. Really found my form with 1-on-1’s. Took more players on then I probably have ever attempted in a 90 minute game. I was successful half the time and apparently my speed in one on one’s made me really standout from the rest. So I was happy with that and ended a week with alot of football played!
I got to know the Damsko boys better aswell. Hung out more with Nico and Ian. Really friendly guys and they’re working a lot in training. Nico says that he’s aiming to play in the champions league within the next five years and I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw him do that and me writing about it here in a few years time 🙂 Ian is also a really talented player and I’m quite sure they will be playing professionally for good clubs if they just be patient.
No updates on trials, etc – but I will be going to New York & Boston right after my exams for 10 days. I can’t wait!

Goal Journal

My Vision
Long term goals
Play professionally by end of summer 2013
Short term goals
1. improve my confidence on:
  • 1-on-1’s
  • Receiving with back to ball
    & become a more valuable player by..
  • Looking for more ways I can get on the ball

Getting on the ball more by positioning oneself on edge of box for 1 touch, shot.

Making inside runs, you can get on the ball so much more as I found in training this week.
1-on-1 speed & style really improving
2. make a real habit of scanning alot
I think this is becoming better.. but not a habit.
General comment: Improving, and I really want to shine more out of tight positions.

3. Ongoing – Find out what makes great players, great. What separates the “great” from the “good”.
4. Defend better

a. communication
b. knowing who should be marking who.figuring this one out…
As a right winger I don’t think I really have problems defending. Communication also improving.
One big thing I don’t know enough is the preferred foot of the player. If I’m marking a left winger and he’s left footed, then he’s going to try beat me on my right side because he’s probably not confident enough with his right foot. This is also important to know for attacking.
5. Build LinkedIn network
Added a few contacts..
6. Plan better.
I need to be more efficient about exactly what I’m going to do in my workouts, rather than just make it up as I go.
accomplished: be stronger off the ball, quicker plays, don’t let attackers run inside, play long ball forward instead of risky passback, be more explosive
Plan & Checklist – 21.5 hour schedule this week., 21.5 hours have been completed! next Week is 12 hours due to exams.
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In 2009, I was an average soccer player with a dream. I started this blog to document my journey from local underdog to getting offered over $100,000 in soccer scholarships, a contract to play professionally and the experience of playing in Europe.
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