The list of once promising young players who never really fulfilled their potential is seemingly endless. The world of professional football can be an incredibly harsh environment, and some people just aren't cut out for it.
If you are looking for the poster boy of someone who had all the physical gifts to be a superstar but just did not have the determination required to succeed, look no further than Ravel Morrsion.
Morrison has repeatedly been described as one of the most prodigious talents ever seen in youth football, and yet he has struggled greatly as a pro. He was an incredible player when he progressed through the youth ranks at Manchester United, by the far the brightest light in a team that also contained Paul Pogba.
Listen to the testament Rio Ferdinand gave to the player's talents:
"Sir Alex called me and Wazza over one day and said 'look, this kid is better than you when you were a kid Wayne, better than Rio and Ryan Giggs'."
"This is the best kid you'll ever see."
Rio Ferdinand explains why Ravel Morrison just couldn't quite fulfil his potential... 🤔 pic.twitter.com/G7gOXJmCy6— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 20, 2018
I was at the club when he was there. He's probably the most naturally gifted youngster I've ever seen.
Sir Alex called me and Wazza over one day and said 'look, this kid is better than you when you were a kid Wayne, better than Rio and Ryan Giggs when he was a kid, this is the best kid you will ever see'.
He'd take liberties with players in training, even with the first team. He would come over when he was a 16-year old and just take liberties. He could play one touch, play two touch, weave his way through a team of players.
The concentration levels that you need to be a top player, to be on it everyday, he could never get that all married together.
The team he played in, Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, Adnan Januzaj, they looked at this guy like he was a superhero because he was that good, because of what he could do with a football.
He would never make only three senior appearances for the club, with his off-field problems ultimately proving too much to overcome.
Morrison would sign for West Ham in 2012, and while he would play 24 times for the London side, the same problems ultimately came back to haunt him. Stops at Lazio, Atlas and Östersund have followed, but now he may have another bite at the Premier League cherry.
The player is currently on trial with recently promoted Sheffield United, with manager Chris Wilder confirming that the midfielder trained with the club this morning. He will also join them on their pre-season tour to Portugal.
Even he can somehow put it all together, Sheffield United will have a hell of a player on its hands. If he does not, this will surely be his last crack at the English top flight.
