Many youngsters in Ghana dream of following in the footsteps of the likes of Michael Essien and make a name for themselves in professional football.
However, reaching those lofty heights not only requires players to possess plenty of skill, but also the dedication to be one of the few who progress to the top level.
Training undoubtedly plays a key role in making the breakthrough, so read on as we look at some of the elite tips you can use to boost your chances of becoming a star.
Undertake regular exercise
This may seem like an obvious place to start, but you need to be extremely fit if you want to forge out a career for yourself as a professional footballer.
Learning how to make exercise a habit will improve your chances, particularly if you play alongside players who neglect this side of the sport.
One of the first things scouts look for when assessing players is whether they are fit enough to cope with the rigours of professional football.
By making sure you are in the best possible physical shape, you will undoubtedly increase your chances of standing out from the crowd.
Eat a balanced diet
Numerous academic research studies has shown that eating a balanced and nutritious diet can improve athletic performance.
Professionals have the luxury of having experts create personalised diet plans they must follow in order to ensure their bodies remain in tip-top shape.
Eating a diet based around foods such as fish, fruit and vegetables will enhance your chances of maintaining the necessary fitness needed to play football.
Staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water keeps you feeling healthy and allows you to perform at your best whenever you are physically active.
Get plenty of rest
Sleep plays an essential role in a supporting a person’s health and wellbeing – both from a physical perspective and mentally.
Most people need an average of around seven to nine hours sleep per day to ensure they can function properly throughout the week.
Sleep is the time when your body and mind repair themselves – failing to get enough rest can have a hugely detrimental effect on these processes.
Building the requisite amount of rest into your day will increase your chances of performing at your best each time you train or play.
Focus on having a positive mindset
Players who feature in competitions such as the Champions League and Premier league often work with sports psychologists to improve their mindset.
While it may be unrealistic for aspiring footballers in Ghana to enjoy the same luxury, there are numerous ways you can help yourself in this area.
For example, the internet is awash with information about how you can banish negative thoughts and creative an aura of positivity around you.
Reading about how other players worked to reach the top is also a great way to gain insights into how you can follow in their footsteps.