It's not talent: What two Oklahoma coaches say really creates elite soccer players

Elite soccer hinges less on raw talent and more on mindset, two Oklahoma coaches say, a theme that emerges long before global stardom. Mark Howard, who came through Manchester United's academy alongside players such as Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo, Giggs, and Ferdinand, argues that mentality and discipline are the true separators at the summit. He notes that highly skilled players can drift off course without the extra work and the care they give to training and recovery, while those who combine skill with mental toughness often outrun peers when it matters most. At Oklahoma State, coach Colin Carmichael echoes this, citing Courtney Dike as a World Cup alumna and stressing relentless drive, constant improvement, and sustained effort for consistency across games, practices, and film sessions.