Football prodigies - the fine line between success and failure
“Martinelli by the way, everybody should remember that name.” High praise from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, singling out Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli after their recent Carabao Cup semi-final clash. It is reminiscent of Clive Tyldesley’s infamous “remember the name” commentary following a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney winning goal for Everton against Arsenal. Tyldesley’s statement that day in October 2002 would prove to be apt. Rooney’s name is not just remembered but etched into football history. Whether Martinelli fulfils his undoubted potential will remain to be seen. For every Rooney, there are several other prodigious talents that, for various reasons, fail to live up to their early promise. Mentality Seldom will a player be able to rely on their ability alone. Arguably one of the most wasted talents in English football, Ravel Morrison, was lauded by Sir Alex Ferguson as possessing “as much natural talent as any youngster we ever signed.” He was considered the outstandi...