Callum Hudson-Odoi has revealed Steve Cooper's role following his move to Nottingham Forest this summer.
The 22-year-old joined Forest from Chelsea in a deal worth £3 million to end his 16-year association with the London-based club.
The young and enterprising winger played under Cooper at the England youth level.
"He definitely brought the best out of me with England," Hudson-Odoi told The Telegraph. "The big thing about him is how he understands players, on and off the pitch.
"He’s always making sure that you’re mentally right and comfortable, and free in what you do."
He is confident Forest is the right place for him to prove himself again. "It is the right place for me to excel in my football, and do more than I probably could at Chelsea.
"I want to be playing as much as possible. There were a lot of different places I could have ended up at, but once ‘Coops’ made the call my head was straight here.
"[He says] don’t be boring! He’s been saying it to me for as long as I can remember. ‘Take risks, don’t let anything hold you back and be yourself. Create problems every time you’re on the ball.’
"You want to have that freedom to do your stuff, whether it’s scoring or creating goals for the team. That’s what I want, to excite the crowd."
In his debut game against Burnley, Hudson-Odoi scored a stunner as the game ended 1-1.