Show Transcript
Episode 7 – Yan Dhanda – Football Confidence: The Defining Factor to Success

Yan Dhanda Football Confidence SPEAKERS Joe Partington, Yan Dhanda Yan Dhanda  When I was when I was 14, I had the opportunity to move to some of the biggest clubs in England. And at the time I thought maybe this is this is normal. And this is just like the next step of what I need to do. And when you get an opportunity like that, at that age to move to one of them clubs, you, you don't really want to say no, like no is literally not an option. And it's just deciding where you want to go and where you think it's gonna be best for you.   Joe Partington  Welcome to leave, no doubt, a podcast brought to you by a perform that explores all areas of performance within football. I'm Joe Partington, and throughout this series, I'll be talking to leading practitioners and athletes about their approach of leaving nothing to chance when it comes to performance within football. I'm Joe Partington, and in today's episode, I'll be speaking with Asian up and coming player 2013, the youngest British agent to sign in the English Football League, and he has 47 Championship appearances at a young age of 22. Yan Danda. Yan speaks so incredibly well for such a young man who has already achieved so much. He has very high ambitions and he isn't afraid to talk about them publicly. So I'm really looking forward to you all getting to know his story and getting an insight into his career Lesko.   Yan Dhanda  So, yeah, all right. Yeah, good. Happy to be here. I've been looking forward to doing this ever since I've, since I had the opportunity to do it. So yeah. Now we appreciate the time.   Joe Partington  So to get us going, how do you think self belief links into modern day football?     I think   Yan Dhanda  it's one of the biggest things in football, if not the biggest thing, you get to a to a certain age, and you've trained your whole life and technically and physically and stuff like that. And then I think at some stage, self belief, is the most important thing. I think. There's tough times, and there's good times, but I think throughout everything you go through, the main thing you have to focus on is yourself, belief and to believe in yourself, because at times, people are not going to think you're good times people are gonna think that you're the best in the world. So I think yourself, you have to believe in yourself and just get through any any situation that you face.   Joe Partington  As a young player, you were you know, you've been involved in in Academy since you were 10. Did you have self belief back then? Or do you think it was something that's developed over time?   Yan Dhanda  I think when I was young, I yeah, I always thought I was I was good. I always I always knew myself, I was good. And I had, I had self belief, and I had confidence. But I think when you grow up, it's easier to have self belief, because you don't really pay attention to what people are saying. And I think when you get older, that's when it starts to become become tougher when you're faced with challenges and not playing as much. I think when you're young, obviously, you're playing, week in week out because it's rotation and, and stuff like that you can make as many subs as possible. So I think you're always playing. And if you're doing well, I think you never doubt yourself. You never even question yourself belief. But I think as you get older, you can start to question it more when maybe there's games on weekends, and you're not playing and a couple weeks go by and you're not playing, I think that's when your self belief really gets tested. And I think that you have to stick by yourself and believe in yourself. Because when the opportunity comes, you have to take it. And that's your opportunity. And that's what you're gonna get questioned on when you get the opportunity. So I think the main thing is to keep yourself belief and always believe in yourself because your opportunities gonna come and then it's down to you to take it. So   Joe Partington  the so like we're talking about when you're obviously when you're a kid sort of that that 10 year, you know, 10 years old to 15 years old, spent time at West Brom at that time. Do you ever obviously like extremely talented at that age in and amongst other talented guys? Yeah. Were you excelling? At that point? You must have obviously felt good about yourself.   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, I think growing up in all the age groups when I was at West Brom and when I was at Liverpool, I was always one of the better ones in my age group. And I knew that in in training every day, I was proving that and, and in the games I was proving that as well. So like I said, when I was young, my myself believe never really got questioned. And I always had confidence. I always had a lot of self belief and my my parents would always tell me to believe in yourself and have the self belief because ultimately, if you don't then how can you expect like anyone else to so I grew up on that and I always had confidence and a lot of self belief. And like I said, when you're young, it's easier when you when you're the when you show in every single week and every single game that you want to the better players here. So I think like I said, when you get older, you can start to question it more, I think but as long as you have got that self belief and drive within yourself to know that you weren't good enough, and you didn't deserve to be here, I think it makes it a lot easier when you do step onto the pitch.   Joe Partington  Or there's probably listening to this, obviously, young kids, older pros, who may have questioned themselves from like, from an early age like, you know, me personally, I wasn't anywhere near as, as you know, as confident as what you are at an early age. Was there any examples you could give us of times where you slightly doubted yourself? Or was that literally none of that? No, of   Yan Dhanda  course there is. I think there's times when now when I'm playing in the professional game, there's sometimes weeks go by when you haven't, you haven't played a game, you haven't been on the pitch, you've just you've just been on the bench and watching games. And of course, you can start to question why it's happening. Because there has to be reasons why it's happening. But ultimately, I think, for me, I'm I believe in myself, and I know that like fruit through through hard times. And when you're not playing as long as you're, you're given everything every single day and, and grow in through this period, and maybe put in your mind to something else, maybe get get fitter, get stronger, and just do other things away from football, and just work on something else. While you're not playing games every single week, I think that's the best way to look at it and, and even just getting stronger or getting fitter, or educating your mind and just grow in doing something else. I think that that that helps keep yourself believe because you know that in some aspect of your game or off the pitch not always just on it you are you are improving. So that's definitely gonna help you self belief. And when you do step onto the pitch you've been working on over aspects of the game, which is which is only gonna benefit   Joe Partington  the 15 Like it's it's not often 15 year olds obviously, are involved in elite academies that you were not only involved in, in the academy, but you obviously ended up moving from one elite Academy to to a better one.     During that period of time, like,   Joe Partington  how did you find out that other clubs were interested in you? How does that make you feel? And you know, what did that do to your confidence and to your game?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, so like I said, when I was at West Brom, and going through the ages, from from under nines all the way to I think I was there to under $14. I was always one of the better ones in my age group, my, my team back then at West Brom was a really good one. And there's some boys who have gone on to be professional now as well. So like, there was a few of us who were really good, and I was always up there. So like I said, I was always confident, and I always knew I was good. And when I was, when I was 14, I had the opportunity to move to some of the biggest clubs in England. And at the time, I thought maybe this is, this is normal. And this is just like the next step of what I need to do. And when you get an opportunity like that, at that age, to move to one of them clubs, you you don't really want to say no, like no is literally not an option. And it's just deciding where you want to go and where you think it's gonna be best for you. So looking back on it now, it's obviously not normal, and not many people get that opportunity. But at the time, I just thought this is this is the next step and it's just a natural progression to move on to it to a bigger club but looking back on now I'm super proud to obviously say I went to Liverpool when I was 14. And I had a good time now with with some of the best coaches in England and obviously some of the best players in in the world not just the country because Liverpool bring players in from all over the world. So I'm playing with players from different different countries and, and obviously that's That's amazing, and it's something I've experienced and I'm better for now. And it's helped me and made me to play around today   Joe Partington  that experiences is probably something that all kids at that age would would want to replicate but I would argue that they don't know the sacrifice that comes with that. What are that age what specifically changed in your life? And and how did you deal with that?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, so obviously, at 14 I knew I had the opportunity to move to Liverpool last night and a few other clubs I decided with my family that Liverpool was going to be the best one for me and I didn't really think of anything else apart from obviously putting on a Liverpool top and playing for Liverpool but then when you actually move there the reality hits and I'm 14 I'm I've moved away from my mom and dad and my brother and sister so I don't see them. I see them once every two weeks if I'm lucky, once a week. So for the first for the first six months, like not many people know But it was a big struggle I used to like cry went out to leave, to go to school in Liverpool I used to cry went out to when I was in my, my digs, and an Anna worked with mom and dad, obviously. And for the first six months, it was tough. And my mom and dad would would say to me, like, obviously, it's gonna get easier. You're just getting used to it. And there was right but at the time, the first six months was was bad. And I weren't really enjoying my football and I weren't my normal self, obviously, because away from football weren't happy, and I was missing my family. And I was only 14. So now looking back, I probably should have thought about everything that's going to come. But at the time, I was 14, and I just wanted to play for Liverpool. But after about six months, I started to get used to it. And my mom and dad would come up more often, just just to make it easier for me. But for six months, it was really difficult. But after that I did, I did get used to it. I started obviously making close friends, some of my best friends now are up in Liverpool. And once I started to make friendships and obviously I was going to school in Liverpool, so I was making friends outside of football. So I made it a lot easier. But the first six months was was tough.   Joe Partington  Those experiences that obviously those tough times at that age do you think have helped you helped you now?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, like when I when I went to Liverpool, I left West Brom for six months, so I hadn't played football. So that's another thing I was obviously I was on fit. I was I couldn't show what I could do. Straightaway when I got there because I didn't play football in six months. I was I was unfair. And I weren't my normal self. But like I said, looking back on it. Now I went through that I went through my family and that that has made me the person I am today. Like I appreciate my family more when they come to Swansea or when I go back home. I appreciate the time I spend with them. Because I know what it's like when when you don't get to see him and and it's tough. So maybe it was a blessing in disguise that now when I am with my family, I really appreciate the time because as the most important thing. The   Joe Partington  Stepping up into into an academy like Liverpool, I can imagine as well, like you're now surrounded by better players. Being in that environment, going from being the best player. Obviously, I don't know if you were the best player at Liverpool but being surrounded by better players. Was that? How did that feel? Like? Did you did you question your own ability? Or? Or I can't imagine you did. But how did that feel going into an environment where everyone around? You seem to be, you know, a bit better?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, I think when when I did first go to Liverpool and I was I was confident in myself that I would I would go straight there and be one of the better players again and I was my team was a Liverpool was was really good. And there was a lot of good players and people from all over the all over the world, like I said, but I was still there in in the better players of the age group. And we had such a talented team. And like I said, once I got my fitness back and I was able to show I could do it was it was similar to West Brom, like we had four or five really good players, and we just would be literally every team we played against. So we had a good team and I was always one of the better ones in the age group. And I'd been one one of the ones who would play up open age group and, and play with the older ones. So like I said, once I got my fitness and that back at Liverpool, I was, like I said, I had the confidence and the self belief. And I was and I was one of the better players and managed to, to have a good time.   Joe Partington  When When was it that you were there that you started being around the first team and having access to them? And training with them? And experiencing you know, mixing with with the obviously top top elite players?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, so at the time I went to Liverpool, obviously Brendan Marcus was the manager and I was training quite often with the first team, I was like, 16 I was coming out of school to try and with the first team and then you would join the first team at 16 Yeah, so it would be like it wouldn't be every day if they needed a player I would I would go there and I'd and I trained quite a bit like from the age I was in and I don't Well there and I enjoyed it there and I was trying to move obviously some of the best players in the world and that's something I'll never forget but like I said when I was that age I had the confidence to go there and just express myself and show what I could do and and I enjoyed it and like I said I don't well and and Brendan knew or was in any staff knew or was which was which was so good at that age especially and that was a big a big learning curve for me as well training with with those sort of players and getting to see them every day and interact with them and stuff.   Joe Partington  But 16 training with the likes of you know, the first implies that Liverpool is so scary. So I would argue 99% of people but you've just spoken now about how you were you know you that you felt confident you felt good. You express yourself. How do you think that you managed to feel that way, instead of being one of the guys that were nervous or anxious and, and, and felt like     that? I just felt like,   Yan Dhanda  obviously, I'm 16 going there training with the first team, everyone knows I'm 16 and I'm coming out of school to train with the first team that literally I had, I had nothing to lose, I was 16 years old training with some of the best in the world. And I was just seeing is it seeing it as if I made a mistake, they would understand that I was younger, and I was just trying so like, my dad has always told me to just like, express yourself and be be yourself and do what you enjoy. What what makes you happy. So I just go there and express myself and, and do stuff that made me happy. And that's when I was at my best when I weren't thinking of what other people for and just doing literally whatever made me happy and that I think that's why I've done so well when when I was training there because I knew I was young and I just asked for I've got nothing to lose and just have fun.   Joe Partington  Can you can you remember any moments in during that period of time? Like 16 1718 years old have I've been around those guys and picking different things up and how or having conversations with any of those players that helped you   Yan Dhanda  can remember a couple things actually. So I remember one time I was in I was in an English lesson at school and Alec sneakily checked my phone storage followed me on Instagram. And I was just like so happy telling everyone like I couldn't even concentrate in the in the lesson because I've just checked my phone and storage it followed me and because obviously he's from Birmingham So straightaway when he seen me and and he must have heard me speak and he was from Birmingham So straight away like put an arm around me and was just and stuff like that makes you feel feel better and then a few weeks later I see continual follow me and I was just like obviously I'm 1716 years old and when you see and people are this follow me like they're most like have appreciated me and for I was I was a good little player and an ad there must have acquired some confidence to go there and confidence and express myself. Yeah, so obviously when stuff like that happens, your confidence grows your self belief grows and you're on top of the world really. So yeah, stuff like that sticks out for me. And then I remember I went to because Trent Trent Alexander Arnold's one of my close friends, so we went to school together and everything. So when we was there one one night, after training, we was like 17 or something like that. And we went to a Justin Bieber concert. And we see in a Katrien yo for menial, Lucas Moreno there was in a box that Justin Bieber in the scene us and that they brought us into the boxes when we was like 17 or 18. So just to, for them to obviously let us chill with them and watch a concert with them inside a box. 1718 years old is something not many people can say lived   Joe Partington 

1. That's nuts. Yeah. What happened to your football during that time as well? Like, what did you pick in any up training habits was you know, were there things that you were seeing these guys do that you wanted to replicate?

  Yan Dhanda  I just seen that. Obviously, continual and storage are people that I really looked up to, I still look up to him now I think when I can remember watching them try and there was just having fun. I didn't care about what people said they didn't care about what anyone for there was literally just doing whatever made them happy on the pitch and doing tricks to in skills and smiling and that's the biggest thing I think when you're when you're on the pitch and you're enjoying it, that's when you have the best your best and and. And that's what I've realised with myself now, I think obviously there's times when you're angry when you're not playing and you can get annoyed when when things aren't going your way. But I think that that only affects you on the training pitch. And I've I've realised now as I've got older, because obviously some things did affect me when I weren't playing and, and I did let it get to me too much now of I've kind of noticed growing older is when I'm when I'm on the training pitch and I'm smiling and I'm happy and I'm and I'm doing what I like and that's when I'm at the best and when I'm at my best and that's all I can do. And that's when I'm showing like, what what I can bring and what I can do for the same   Joe Partington  I mean your talent, your ability.   Yan Dhanda  How did you manage to use it   Joe Partington  to be effective on a match day? And by that I mean obviously you've just spoken about playing with freedom about enjoying your football, training and watching these guys perform. But obviously to be effective on a match data, you know, to contribute to winning matches to contribute to by scoring goals and assists. How was it easy for you? To combine the two, it's in your talent of being effective or, or was that somebody to develop over time?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, I think it's something you have to develop over time, I think, especially when you're young coming into a first team or joining a new club, I think, of course, at first you have to settle and find your feet and, and build relationships. And I think the biggest thing for me was when I started to build relationships with with my teammates, and started to show in training, especially what I can do, I think then that's, ultimately when you go on the pitch, and you start to express yourself when you know, your teammates know what you're going to bring to the team, and what's gonna make you different to everyone else. And I think, obviously, in games, sometimes you have to sacrifice your own game for what's gonna be right to get the three points, or maybe you have to play a bit more defensive when you're winning or stuff like that. But I think it's important to know that when you get the opportunity on the pitch in the, in the areas where that's what makes you different, I think it's important to express yourself and show what you can do and not be afraid of losing the ball or making a mistake. Because ultimately, I think, when you're too focused on making mistakes, or pleasing other people, that's when Yeah, your game starts to get affected. And I think you have to just, like I said, in the right moment, do what what makes you happy, and what makes you different to everyone else. And that's what's gonna separate you.   Joe Partington  I'm hoping that people obviously can listen to you speak and your journey and what's made you successful and take a lot from that, because there's a lot of guys playing New, who don't have that, you know, attitude that they probably are a bit safer, or they do like to, to not express themselves and stuff like that. So hopefully when obviously, that success you've had in the, you know, the personality or you have or resonate with people. But it seemed by the age of about 19. And it's pretty rare in the game for for somebody to seem like they have continued success, and that there's almost no setbacks until the obviously up to the age of 19. Was there ever there come a point where you thought I might have to leave Liverpool or not? How did that come about?   Yan Dhanda  It probably was when I was about 19, you start to think like, How realistic is it that I'm gonna play for the first team and make a name for yourself at Liverpool and go on to play regular first team football here because obviously, it's such a big club, playing with some of the best players in the world, if not most of the best players in the world. So I think that you have to make a mature decision on on what's best for your future. And obviously, the age of 19 I started to think what is going to be best for me now. And I think that I had an opportunity to to move on and I had some clubs there ready to ready to take me in. Like I said, with my family again. I made a decision that Swansea was going to be the next step for me and the football that Swansea and known for playing was was gonna be going to be what suited my style of playing the most. And like I said, I haven't had no regrets so far. 22 now and I think moving to Swansea was the right decision. I've made progress in each year of being here has been an increase on my career. And I've played more games, year by year. And I think that the coming years I'll play even more and and really like will shine in in my career because that's ultimately what what I want to do. But think there was a time at Liverpool I was I think 17 When I had I had quite a bad ankle injury. And that's when I was coming back from that I did start to question like, like, we spoke about the self belief and, and confidence and obviously when you come back from five months out injured, yeah, you're not fit, you're not sharp. And when you are coming back here, you're obviously you're not at the pace. And I started to think like, how long is this going to take me to get back and up to speed and local setup. I realised from a young age that when you can't control things on the pitch, maybe just work on something away from football and that's when I started to really work on my, my fitness and strength and conditioning and stuff like that. And I was putting a lot of effort into that and working away from the club. I managed to get myself fitter than expected and then I was back playing games and like I said, I started to really progress again from then. So like I said, there has been a couple setbacks. But I think from from a young age because I've had such a supportive family I've dealt with it well and and managed to find my feet and and really push on again.   Joe Partington  So you manage the overcome of during that period of time where you're injured and you had, you know, an element of self doubt. You managed to overcome that period by working harder by training harder By getting fitter, the you use that as a way of coping with, like, obviously, the doubt that you felt,   Yan Dhanda  yeah, because I think from a young age, my, my, my family, like, have always told me to just find confidence in maybe doing something else. And obviously, if you're working on your fitness, you know yourself, I'm getting fit, I'm getting stronger. So, ultimately, you're telling yourself like, I'm improving. So confidence in yourself believe it's going to slowly start to grow. And for me, when I, when I got my fitness back, I always knew what I could do with the football and on the pitch. So at that time, it was to work on my fitness and to work on my body and ultimately gain confidence from that. And once I done that, I was back playing. And once I'm on the pitch, and I know what I can do, and then obviously, from there, you don't really start to doubt yourself belief or your confidence until the next setback occurs. And then when maybe the next one occurs when I weren't playing as often as before, I'd do something else to gain the confidence, like I said, and or even just see, my family makes me feel better, and stuff that makes you feel better is ultimately going to help you on.   Joe Partington  There's a lot of guys that young players that will be at different stages of their career, that will find deciding to move clubs or to you know, find a decision that helps their own career pretty difficult to decide. Do you remember how difficult that was for you for you to decide that? And for people who don't know and won't be aware? How does a conversation like that happen? Like, well, how do you approach Liverpool about that?     I think that it wasn't   Yan Dhanda  it wasn't really that difficult for me, I think obviously, you want to spend as much time as you can have big clubs like Liverpool and obviously you live in the dream and not many people get to put on a Liverpool kit but I think from quite a young age at a mature mindset and and ultimately I just thought that I wanted to play football and I wanted to make the next step in my journey really and I think it made it a bit easier for me to move to Swansea because at 14 I moved away from my family to Liverpool. So moving to Swansea at 19 wasn't really that difficult in terms of moving to a new place because I've done it before so I'd experienced it and and I knew what it was like I knew that as soon as I started building relationships and making friends and having relationships with my teammates it was going to be easy for me so when I moved to Swansea straightaway I started building relationships and and settling in as quick as possible finding a house because obviously that makes everything easier when you've got somewhere to call a home and you're happy away from football like have spoke about it helps you on the pitch and I think when I came to Swansea I was I was super fit and I know if I'm fit then when I'm when I'm training I'll show what I can do and that's what I did I showed what I can do and I managed to make my debut on the first game of the season so I must have done something right in the preseason to show what I can do and I know that when I'm on the pitch and training and people are watching that I will make a good impression and about myself all the time the   Joe Partington  the period of time obviously that well in that time then when when you move from Liverpool to Swansea and you're changing clubs when you're confident guy but what was like what was the mentality on that move? Were you excited what what was the ambition of move to Swansea? You know, what did you have gone through your mind?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, I was super excited, I think because obviously there was a few clubs I could have gone to but like I said with my family, I made a mature decision on what was going to be best for my footballing journey. And I think when you got a team like Swansea that plays the right football and plays attacking football and attractive football, then ultimately you're gonna gravitate towards towards that club because it's such a it's such a good one. And then when I came down to Swansea and seeing what it was like in the area, then I knew straight away that this is where I wanted to be. And I seen the training in the area and the people. And I knew straightaway This is somewhere I wanted to be in somewhere I could call a home because like I said, a big thing in football is to be happy off the pitch. And I think if you're happy off the pitch, then things on the pitch will just flow and when you train in like you don't have to worry about anything apart from doing doing your job really because that's why you're here and I think for me, it's as long as I'm happy off the pitch and I'm enjoying my football on it and I don't have to think about anything else apart from just expressing myself and doing what I love.   Joe Partington  I am I'm interested to find out In your steady young guy, really successful. But is there anything specifically that you do in training in your, you know, your day to day life that people are going to be able to take? Young guys are going to be able to look at you and think, you know, Dan is living his life this way. This is what he does in training. This is what he's doing in the gym. How did you do have any training habits that you need to do? How do you approach training? And what ultimately is your football lifestyle, like to get the best out yourself?     I think everyone's different. But I think for me, it's when I'm on the pitch. Like I said, the most important thing for me to be the best version of me on the pitch is to ultimately do what makes me happy and not doing stuff to make other people happy. When   Joe Partington  that was that, look, what makes you happy.     Just   Yan Dhanda  smiling, shoo in, I like scoring. So more issue in it. Being confident with the ball, taking people on doing skills, just stuff that I enjoy doing, and other people's might be different barfing. The main message I'd give to people is to do whatever makes you feel happy. And if you haven't done it, in the session, do it after the session, if I don't feel like have taken enough shots in the session and seeing the ball hit the back of the net, then I'll do after the session, because that's ultimately what's gonna make me happy when I'm driving home is seeing the boy back then. And that's what gives me a buzz. So I think if if I do that everyday, then I'm making myself happy. And like I said, when I am happy, then that's when I'm going to be doing the best stuff on the pitch. And I think it's easy, especially when you're younger, knew going into a first team to do things that make not necessarily other people happy, but what you think are making other people happy. So if you've got the ball, and normally in your age group in, in the academies, you'd be going past people or doing stepovers, but you've got someone in the first show in feet to pass it, the easiest thing to do is just pass it. And I have probably done that a few times in when I'm when I'm growing up. But ultimately, you're here for yourself, and you've got this for yourself and working hard yourself, I think that you have to show what you can do on the training pitch. And if you're not showing why you're unique on the training pitch, then you can't expect for the manager to pick you and he's not going to know what you're going to bring to the team. So I think in each training session, it's important to show what makes you different to everyone else. Because every every player is different, and everyone's good at different things. And that's what I said if some people's what makes them happy is tackling or slow tackling or scoring headers, I think then do that, because that's what's gonna make you different everyone else. And ultimately, on the pitch, everyone has unique attributes, and it's down to you to show     how old were you when you   Joe Partington  realise that obviously, the modern game now you have to be super talented with, you know, which you are, technically, but physically, obviously the game at the top level now and you've played top level. And you know, right at top of the championship at the moment, that the games becoming faster, stronger, guys are fitter. And you've spoken there about how much time you spent while you're injured, trying to get faster trying to get fitter trying to get stronger. How much time of your life do you spend on on that aspect?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, I think the past couple years. And still now that is mainly what I do work on, I think, on the pitch technically, and     our football smartness is,   Yan Dhanda  is really good. And I think that that's what separates me on the pitches, my technical ability and the way I think on the pitch. But what I said to myself a couple years ago, and what I've been working on with we've stuffed at Swansea and away from Swansea is my physical and making myself as fit and as strong as possible that suits the way I play. And I think that that's obviously something that I do work really hard on because I think that you do have to be super fair, and you do have to be strong in terms of what's needed and required for your position. So I think like working on explosive stuff. For me, my position is something that I do a lot now. And I think if when I'm not playing games and I haven't played the day before then after the game, I'll do something or the day after I'll do something just to make sure that I am doing something and stay in as sharp as possible for when I do get my next opportunity. And I think that I've learned my body as I'm growing older now. And I've been quite a late developer in terms of body building and getting stronger and stronger but I feel now I'm I'm feeling the benefits of what I've been working on in the past couple of years. And now I feel like I when I do step on the pitch, I feel a lot stronger and a lot fitter then than I've been before. And I've been working on that a long time now. And it's, it's nice to start seeing the benefits.   Joe Partington  Young guys will watch you play. And, you know, you've got a lot of fans all around the world. We'll see you play and see the technical ability and see as you're talking about that, you know, the football intelligence, and we'll just think that that probably are everything's natural luck. It's all easy to you. But we've been speaking here for a little while about how much you've dedicated and how much you've sacrificed. And how your whole life, you know, revolves around football? Is there any way that you can obviously, give advice to the young people listening or watching to this, about how much dedication being a footballer is? Because I don't want them to see you playing thing that I that's easy for me. You know, it's everything's natural always. You know, he's, he's super talented. And that's it.   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, I think, obviously, when you do watch football on TV, everyone thinks it's easy. And it's been a easy process, and it's just they're doing what they're loving, but boy, it's not, it's not as simple as that there's a lot of sacrifices, and there's probably more downs than not, and I think it's how you deal with, with the setbacks and, and how it's gonna make you stronger. And ultimately, that's how you improve. And that's how you keep yourself belief and your confidence is by not doubting yourself and, and just grow in through through setbacks. And like I said, for me, it was when I had a setback, I'd work on something else that that was in my control, rather than focusing on stuff that you can't control, because ultimately, you just, you just kind of get annoyed and angry at foking focusing on stuff that that you can't control. But I think for people who are growing up wanting to be footballers, I think that it's okay to go through tough times, and it's okay to have setbacks in, and injuries. And ultimately, it's just not letting them define who you are, and just knowing that the setbacks not going to be forever, and you're going to come out of it. And it's when I was growing up, it was just to try and come out of it stronger. And people say that you'll come back stronger and but I think that unless you actually believe that yourself, and unless you're actually working on becoming stronger and and gaining something from from the setback, then I think it's just gonna be a waste of time. And you can like, get a setback and and go into one with it and start doubting yourself and thinking, will I ever get back to how I was or will ever get to be a professional footballer. And I think that ultimately, you have to have the belief that regardless what comes in your way, you're gonna really go for it and give 100% and as long as you give 100% I think if you fail, given 100%, then you can never question yourself, and nobody can ever, ever question. Yeah,   Joe Partington  I am. I think that's a, you know, really important that your message ultimately is that you end up taking responsibility for your own stuff. And you don't leave that to other people. And that's hopefully something that a lot of people can take, because we've probably both had teammates in our careers that it's somebody else's fault, or this is the reason why this has happened. But ultimately, if you, you know, control what you can control, then you're going to be in a much better place for it.   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, I think that's the main thing. There's a lot of other things in football that are completely out of your control. And there has been times where I've questioned it and got annoyed. But I think when you when you take time and look at the bigger picture, I think the only thing that's gonna keep you going is to just focus on yourself and the stuff that you literally have no control over and you can't do anything about it, even if you try it. So there's no point really going into too much of that one. And luckily, I think I've had good people around me from a young age that have taught me that and, and I noticed it quite early. So since I was made aware of this and just been told to, to work on yourself and just focus on what you could have done better and how you can improve I think that that's what's gonna gonna make you better and ultimately keep keep you in the right frame of mind.   Joe Partington  Yeah, the we've talked about how you've had, you know, quite a lot of success and you've just mentioned that not not so long ago. But you're you know, you made your debut come on Sheffield United away in score. What feeling right? How was that?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, I think that's a standout moment for me because it's like all the sacrifices are made moving away from home injuries. Just small setbacks that are faced and then obviously the goal was one thing and it was One of the best moments I've ever had in football from when I was born up until now, but the main thing for me was to celebrate the goal with my dad and my cousin who's my best mate was the one that was behind that goal. Yeah, so it weren't even as if I scored in that goal or when there was behind the overall goal, but it was a scored in that goal. And my first touch on my debut and my best mate and my dad was behind that exact goal. It was like, everything just made sense. And I'd gone through so much in this moment was was worth it. And I'm doing it all again, just that moment again. So like I said, when you when the ball at the back, and I'm just thinking I'd scored and it was normal. But obviously, after the game, when I'm driving home, you start to feel like that's not a normal thing. Not many people have even made the debut professionally, let alone score on it. And, and then to celebrate with my dad behind the goal. And my best my big goal, after it is just like that's what it's all about. And everything I've been through was worth it. And it's the best thing that's happened to me what   Joe Partington  I'm interested to know what happened to You're obviously a confident guy, but what happened to your self belief. After that moment, you just spoke about driving home and thinking like this is, you know, this is special, this is a unique feeling. How did you how did that change your game     after that.   Yan Dhanda  So obviously, it was the best thing ever. And obviously, the not the night after I was with my family. And it was just, I was actually with my family, my friends, I went out with my friends, I just enjoyed what had happened. And my friends enjoyed it. And we were just celebrating and partying and just just enjoying that moment. But then obviously the next day when you wake up, you just want to do it again. And you want to celebrate and spend time with friends and family because of stuff like this. And it happened again. But after after scoring that goal out, I didn't play again for a few weeks. The next game I didn't play and game after then play and it was weeks went by before I stepped on a pitch again. And like this is exactly what we spoke about at times like that, you start to think like, what am I not playing? And you start to actually solve million questions. And at the time, I was thinking, why am I not getting on? Well, I'm not playing and started to question myself like, outcome, this is happening, I scored and now I'm not playing. But when you're in the moment, it's easy to focus on the negatives. But I think when you come out of it, and you look at the bigger picture, thing, like we spoke about, just focus on what you can control. And that was in trading every day showing what I can do and waiting for the next opportunity. And I was only 19 at the time. So it probably would have been a bit much to be playing every single week and every single week. And I realised that unless took a step away and looked at the bigger picture for all right, when I get my next opportunity, I'll try and do something again. But in the in the moment, it's easy to start shrinking and doubting yourself while you're not getting on the pitch. And you start questioning Oh, maybe I didn't do as well as before. But when you look back at it, I think he was young, they probably weren't the right time to be playing every single week in such a physical League. So I think when you focus on what you can control in terms of training, and German fitness and time with family and just being happy, you just and then it will come. And obviously I started playing a couple more games after that. And I was happy and I was enjoying it. So   Joe Partington  I'm going to ask you a little bit about a different aspect of your career now. I used to share a room on away trips and Neil Taylor, quite a long time ago now I'm old. But in 2015, he was named Asian Footballer of the Year, he is also spoke quite openly about his confusion as to why there isn't more British Asian footballers playing at higher level. You know, having a British Indian background yourself. And I've read articles you've been involved in where you know, you share the difficult experiences you've had due to racism. You know, I'm sorry to hear that. Can you share a little bit with us those experiences that you've had, and how you've managed to deal with them?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, so when I was younger, I had a bit of racism from obviously I was a kid and it was over kids saying saying comments and sometimes parents saying comments he will because like I said, I was always the best in my age group, if not one of them growing up. So over kids, obviously kids are just just kids and they don't like someone being better than them and would say stuff but when I was young it never affected me it was I knew I was good. And I would just try and prove them wrong or not make them or score a goal to just have the last laugh and it wouldn't even wouldn't affect me. And I think that's because I've had such a supportive family. And they've always stuck by me that I didn't even know to this day, I don't care what anyone thinks apart from a family. And if someone says, I'm the worst player in the world, I don't care, but if my mom or dad say, then it's gonna, it's gonna hurt me Do you know? So? From young and till now I don't, I've never cared about what people think. And so when I was younger, I dealt with it. Well, it didn't faze me, I never went in went into it too much. And it didn't affect me. And I think that's good, because some people can affect and I think, like, it's okay to be affected. Because when you're super proud of where you from, like I am, you can come be affected. But for some reason, when I was young, it just never affected me, people would say, there's no Asian players, what makes you think that you can do it, or, obviously, racial terms just being thrown at you and stuff like that. So it was tough, but it weren't every single week I was playing. But every now and again, you'd experience it, because it weren't normal to see an Asian kid playing football, let alone in the best on the pitch. So people didn't like it. And it never affected me. But obviously, recently, I had a bit of racism on social media. And that affected me a lot more than when I was a kid. I think the reason behind that is because I've done so much for speaking about asians in football. And I think you can tell how proud I am, of where I come from and who my family is, and and who I represent. That's why it affected me so much. Because in this day and age, no, it shouldn't be happening. And people shouldn't be seen for where they're from, or who they represent or their background. And that's why it affected me so much. Because I'm one of very few Asian players, I didn't really have anyone in the changing room to turn to, I don't live with my family. So I never had them to, to go home and speak to or my mom or my dad. And I think that's why it affected me so much. When I was little I had my family with me I had, I'd go home and my mom and dad and but here I had no one who was like me, I had no one to turn to I had no family, the only thing I could do was was FaceTime my family and speak to them, which which made me obviously feel better. But it's not the same as chillin with your mom or dad or brother or sister. So yeah, it was difficult. And it affected me for a couple days. But after that, like I said, I couldn't control it, I could control what people are saying to me. And ultimately, it was just using it as fuel to make myself better and prove these people wrong and make them even more jealous. And maybe it's because I'm doing what I love, and I'm standing up for what's right. And these people don't like it. And the thing that affected me the most was how, in 2021 It's still happening and everything that's gone on in terms of racism in football and, and taking the knee and people are still taking effort to to make someone feel bad about where they're from and who the represents. So it was difficult, but I got through it.   Joe Partington  I am not only do I speak incredibly well about it. But you know, I think what's as well as that. You're an incredible role model for people who who may be on on a platform to talk about it.     How did you   Joe Partington  manage that? You know, I think it's incredible that your your way of dealing with it is to is that I want to prove people wrong. And you know, I wasn't going to use that to help me to become better. Do you have any advice for people obviously may be experiencing the same things, you know, spoke about that. There's a few young Indian, you know, British Indian footballers, you have any advice for that for these young guys who want to replicate your path? That might be finding that difficult?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, I think it's easier said than done. But obviously, to have the self belief and the confidence because at times people are not going to think you good. People are not going to believe in you and people are going to think you're rubbish. But ultimately, I think it's just focusing on whose opinion matters. And for me, it's my family. And that's it and I don't care what anyone else thinks, like I've said so. I think young people growing up, you have to realise what's important and whose opinion is most important and whose opinion are you going to let affect who you are and I think if people are being racist away from and it's not just for young asians in football, but anyone who's experiencing racism, I think that firstly, I think it's okay to be upset and angry because I was always upset. And I was annoyed I was hurt by it. And I think that's okay. But like I said, at some point after it, you have to realise that it's been said, people think like this, it suddenly might not be the last time you experience it, but just growing through it and, and using it as, as something that's gonna make you better. And for me, it was proving them wrong. But for other people, it might be something completely different. But ultimately, I think you asked to try and turn the negative into a positive, and use it as fuel to make yourself a better person and growing from it. And I think anyone growing we're not experiencing racism should never have to go through it. But the world we live in, you might do and the most important thing is just not letting it affect you too much, and just making a decision of what you're going to do about it, and how are you gonna use it to make yourself really, because that's ultimately all you can you can gain from it.   Joe Partington  I mean, you know, I am sorry, that that's something that you have to deal with. And I've know, you've been out there, obviously, to India, which the, you know, the videos that you've done, of you sharing your experiences over there, how aware of you are you have, you know, the, you know, the role model that you are to the football fans over there.     And how does that make you feel?   Yan Dhanda  Honestly, I, I went to India the first time two years ago, and I knew growing up and before I went to India, that there was a lot of Indian fans and people who follow me. And I knew who I represented and, and what I was doing, I was doing it for really making them proud. But I think going into India two years ago, for the first time with with my dad, and my friends, was honestly the best thing I've ever done. I didn't actually realise how big it was and how many people were supporting me. And many people even knew who I was, I went over there and there was millions of people who knew what I was. And he was super proud of me. And like I said that when the race some stuff did happen recently I afforded who are represented and it was all those people. That's something I use to, to fuel me to make them even more proud to know that I've gone through this and I've come out of it stronger and better. And like I said, when I went there, it's probably one of the best things I've ever done and ever experienced to go out there. Spend time at schools and orphanages, and like I said, just putting a smile on people's faces was was making me happy. And when I came back from that and preseason started, I was happy and and I knew that I was doing it for for so many people and so many people were proud of you out there back in and their support. Honestly, it meant so much to me. And I was meant to go again every year since then. But obviously because of what's happened, it's been difficult. But as soon as it's safe to do so I'll go out there every year, I think and try and talk to young people and young kids. And not just here's the one of the footballers, but I went to two orphanages orphanage, that was just all girls and there was left on the floor outside the orphanage because the parents didn't want them because there was girls and I think that's one of the best days I've ever had even in terms of scoring on my debut and just seeing those kids and spent about three or four hours with them. And it was like it was the happiest day of their life. And that's one thing that desperate to do again because making all them kids smiling making their their year really not just their day, but it was it was honestly one of the best things I've ever done and knowing that I can go there and do that is is amazing. So   Joe Partington  powerful message the some of the clubs over there, like heavily supported on then more fans in Premier League,   Yan Dhanda  some teams over 80,000 90,000 Each game and football over there is so big and that's just what makes people happy. It's going over there watching football and just enjoying themselves and I'd love to go over there and go to a much but when I didn't have chance so I mean   Joe Partington  the you've unfortunately experienced the worst of social media and social media Monday football, obviously it's, you know, it's pretty big. I myself, sort of growing up, I was a bit of an anxious footballer. When I was younger and social media was just starting. And I was playing and I you know felt good or bad about myself whatever. I would seek out social media and I would see what people are saying about me. Positive would make me feel good negative i would i would really struggle with is there do you find it difficult to deal with social media and do you read things about yourself online? No, obviously, the theme of, of what we're talking about is self belief, but it's social media something that can damage that, or do you have you found a way to deal with it?   Yan Dhanda  I think that on social media, it's much you want to look at things, I think, like I said, some people are gonna say, the worst player in the world, some people are gonna think you're the best player in the world. And obviously, when you've got people supporting you, you really appreciate it and, and stuff like that. And you care what people think, and you care about their opinions. But I think it's choosing the people who you really care about and who you're going to listen to, I think on social media, it's, it's way too easy for people to say whatever they want, and not just in terms of racism, but in terms of someone's performance and how people play and people. People think it's alright to just write whatever they want and abuse whoever the one. And ultimately, it's deciding whose opinion you actually care about. And for me, it's my family. So anyone else can say whatever they want about me, I think that people on social media, and people watching football need to realise that nobody goes on the pitch into play, but nobody goes on the pitch meaning to make a mistake. And I think because they're watching the game, they think that they can write whatever they want, which is, which is ultimately it's up to them. But I think if it's not just footballers, it's all sports, people that can get abused, anyone on TV can get abused, because they're on TV, and people are watching it and, and ultimately, we was watching these people do in their jobs, I'm sure we would have an opinion on them as well, and they wouldn't like it. But people on social media just think that they think it's funny or good to hurt people's feelings. And right, whatever the one bore, I think that the need to actually think of why actually does to the person if they see it, and how it's gonna affect them. And it can affect people, mental health, going to depression and stuff like nothing. People need to see the bigger picture, not just writing whatever they feel no, because it's not right, really. And I think that there's a lot of negativity on social media, and people just doing whatever the mind, Gamble's might think I've said this, this person, and it's affected them, and I don't understand how people work and what they're going to actually benefit from, from making someone feel down about yourself. But ultimately, for me, it's choosing who, whose opinion you care about, and people can write wherever they want with me on social media, I'm not gonna care. But like I said, if a family have an opinion, then that's when I'm going to sit down. And really think about what they've said, but anyone else then you just brush it off. Really? And that's my advice to anyone else who's experiencing it. Yeah,   Joe Partington  my, when I was young, my so like I did, I got to a point where I wasn't looking anymore. I knew if I saw anybody that said are not very good, it would, you know, affect me. And so I I played this one game, always remember, I played this one game, and I felt good felt like I had a good game. And I got home and my dad's there. And he say No, how do you how do you think the played law said yeah, like genuinely, I thought I was really good today. He said are such and such online didn't figure very good. Bad for you don't say I'm not I don't want you to read this stuff. But now that's that's, you know, a powerful message may have been kind of your advice.   Yan Dhanda  On social media, it's, you see, people give an opinion to have nothing to do with football, I'm sure if their opinion was so was so good. And their thoughts were so good, then that their that their manager or their decline on the pitch. So I'm not really too sure lay what people see in corner, the right messages like that. And I don't see why people read their messages and let it affect them. Because ultimately, it's their opinion mattered that much, I'm sure that it'd be higher up in football, or they'd be on TV or they'd be a pundit or that they're playing the game. So normally, it's people who have a picture of a crocodile as, as the as the picture and they've got two followers, and they've just made an account to literally abuse people because that's what the gap was. Also, I think it's important to just choose what, what you want to want to read. And obviously, sometimes you can't, you can't help but see if people have directly tweeted it to you. But I think the main, the main thing is to choose whose opinion you actually value and you're going to let the effect   Joe Partington  that you have of all the things that I was reading and watching about that you've been involved in. One of the things that I found that was quite unique in especially in a modern game that doesn't often have happen is, is you know, people have ambition, and they keep it within. They don't say out loud. And usually, people say saying things out loud is, you know, the law of attraction, things may may happen. Positive things might happen off the back of saying out loud. So you've said pretty publicly, that you have ambition to win the Ballon d'Or, the Champions League in the Premier League, which is unique. That's not something often that that young players are confident enough about saying out loud. How much courage Do you think it takes for you to, you know, to say that, and what do you think that does?   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, I think it takes courage. But obviously, I'm young. Ever since I was a kid, I've dreamt of these things. And I think to have smaller goals is good for short term. But I think ultimately, you have to set yourself the biggest targets, because until then, you're never going to be happy. And you can set yourself a target of playing 20 professional games. But then when you get to, when you get to 20 professional games, ultimately, you might get complacent, I think I've done what I needed to do like everything else, there is a bonus whereas for me, it's I think you have to work every single day and work on yourself physically, mentally, technically, and, and just keep improving. And I think until you you've achieved as much as possible, I think, then you have to just keep on working. And I think if you set yourself the biggest targets in football, you have no reason to, to get slack or to not to not keep working hard. And I think I set myself to the biggest targets in football because I'm gonna ultimately keep working every day to get as close as I can to that and that's a main thing for me. And I think I have got a lot of small targets on the way. I think it's important to aim to hit them first and, and gradually take the steps up. But yeah, I think if you set yourself big targets and high ceilings, then you've got to keep working every day until you get there.   Joe Partington   Have you ever heard the customer Schmeichel story of him of him doing that? He so he, he told his dad, like I want to win the Premier League. And his dad said to him, like Oh, but that's just between us like you, like if, if that's what you really want to do, should say out loud. And, and so he said he went back to his old school, and in front of his I think he was only playing at Notts County or somewhere at the time. So it's at that time is pretty unique to say that out loud. And he went to his old school and said in the assembly, like I'm going to win the Premier League said it with a bit of confidence and said that, that that one focus that one goal obviously resonated with him for a long period of time. So it was in less the team ultimately that the one Premier League, but he said by saying it out loud, he felt more responsible of everything that he was doing than just having it in his mind quietly sitting in the back of his head.   Yan Dhanda  Yeah, I think like for me, obviously I want to win the Premier League I want to play in the Champions League, I want to do all that and I think shouldn't have no shame in saying it out loud. I think if that's something that you're working for every day, then that's everyone's dream and I think everyone in the world is thinking it and that's what they want to do. And I think ultimately you're working everyday to do that it's what you've dreamt for as a kid it's what you've worked every single day of your life or it's what you moved away from home for it's it's everything really and I think if you set yourself the big targets then you got to work every day till you get there and I'm sure obviously now you said cache miss Michaels said it and that's what he wanted to do is worked every single day to do it and like Like he said, I'm I'm a believer of the Law of Attraction I'm a believer everything happens for a reason I think if you if you put in in the work and and working on yourself every single day then as long as you do in that you can have no regrets and anything that comes up those is a bonus.   Joe Partington  We're going to finish mate with some quickfire questions it's going to fire Matt yet see we've got     the first one is your best moment a little   Yan Dhanda  definitely celebrating not just the goal but celebrating with with my dad and our cousin obviously not last night so worst moment     probably   Yan Dhanda  losing in the playoff semifinal last year. This definitely. Obviously you so close to going up to the Premier League and then you win the first leg and then the second day you lose it. And you're out and literally that's it you season's done. So that's probably the worst moment I've had so far in in football.     Best Play you've played with, with Trent   Yan Dhanda  I think what he's gone on to do now is speaks for itself so talented friends so yeah, definitely     best plays played against   Yan Dhanda  tunings have played against him and with him so he was definitely playing with him biggest regret, if any I think looking back on it now, it will be trying harder for my family to move to Liverpool with me. I think at the time I was just, I didn't even think about asking, I just wanted to go. And that was a difficult look. But now I think I'd try harder to get them to have moved to Liverpool with me. But at the time my brother was in school and it weren't fair for him to have to move school at 10 years old or whatever it was. So yeah, I think it's not a regret, but that's something I'd have tried harder for it to happen.   Joe Partington  Best advice you've ever received.   Yan Dhanda  Best advice is probably from a close family friend, who I speak to now every single day. And he is the one who told me to not go into one and overthink with stuff that you can't control because that's what's gonna gonna beat you open. And that he told me that about five years ago not to overthink and think about things that you can't     control. And   Yan Dhanda  that's the best advice on that because ever since then, I've only really focused on stuff that's in my control and making myself better and improving. So yeah, that was probably the best advice.     Best atmosphere you've played it   Yan Dhanda  played in probably last year leads away obviously it was full. The fans are there. They're obviously allowed to fans and we will one now so yeah. And celebrations when we scored was good. So and Swansea fans when we did score were going crazy. So yeah, definitely leads away last year.   Joe Partington  career ambition spoken about a little bit. But yeah, I   Yan Dhanda  think, to play in the Premier League to play in the Champions League, and really just do everything I was trained off. And as a kid represent England or India, whoever I choose to represent and hopefully play in a World Cup.   Joe Partington  And lastly, the best advice that you've got to give to young players who want to become a professional footballer.     Firstly,   Yan Dhanda  what we spoke about a lot today's deciding whose opinions matter most and which one you're going to give energy to. And secondly, the advice that I got from a very close family friend, which I spoke where it was to not go into one with things that you can't control and literally only focus in on what's in your control and how you're going to make yourself and what you can improve on.   Joe Partington  That's amazing. Yan, thank you very much. Appreciate it.     Thank you very much   Joe Partington  guys, hope you enjoyed that episode. I thought the insight we got from Yan about how self belief can have such a positive impact on your football was amazing. His experiences should hopefully give any player at any stage of their career a lot to think about. Get a summary of all the valuable takeaways from today's episode. Make sure you follow the show notes or head straight to the PErforM website. We will give you the key moments from each episode and put them into a clear roadmap of how to include the information straight into your game. Don't forget, if you like our content and want to see more, please write us a review. Leave us a comment and please subscribe. Alternatively, head to the website and sign up to our mailing list. Receive world class information straight to your inbox every week for free to help leave no doubt in your game. Thank you once again to Yan for joining me and giving us an insight into some of the key moments of his career. See you all next week for another great episode that can't wait to share with you all. I've enjoyed Partington. See you guys