Be the Best Teammate
Starboy,
This week’s lesson isn’t about goals, assists, or grades. It’s about something far more important — being the best teammate. Not just on the pitch, but at home, in school, and in life.
There’s a powerful book by Jon Gordon called “The Best Teammate.” It reminds us that greatness isn’t built by superstars who play for themselves, but by people who lift those around them. The best players, the best students, and the best sons — they make everyone around them better. They don’t compete with their team; they connect with them.
This week tested that truth in so many ways. You see, at the highest level, every player can shoot, pass, and dribble. The difference between the good and the great often comes down to one thing: likeability. The players who last, who lead, who elevate others—are the ones who know how to make everyone around them better.
This week, I wanted to see that version of you. The version that watches the game even when subbed off. The one who listens to the coach. The one who supports teammates from the side lines rather than wandering off with a ball. Because the best professionals don’t switch off when they’re not in the spotlight—they stay locked in, learning, encouraging, and thinking like leaders
The Maths Lesson
We sat down to go over your assignment — calculating the perimeter of a circle. You had found what you thought was “an easier way.” I saw where the mistake was, and I tried to help, not to criticise, but to guide. You didn’t want to listen. You pushed back. I grew frustrated. The moment became tense, and the joy of learning together disappeared.
Later, when you sent your work to your tutor, your teacher confirmed exactly what I was trying to tell you: the answers were wrong. I didn’t feel vindicated; I just felt sad. Sad because that entire exchanges — the tension, the frustration, the distance — could have been avoided. What should have been a quick, positive moment of teamwork turned into frustration, silence, and tension. The eve of an important match became heavy with bad energy. I lost the enthusiasm to train you, and you lost an opportunity to prepare well.
Being a good teammate starts with humility. It’s the willingness to listen, to learn, to take correction. The best players don’t reject coaching — they crave it. They don’t see help as a threat — they see it as an opportunity. That’s what I need you to understand.
The Match
Then came the game against Crystal Palace. A 4–1 loss. It was cold, and I stood watching from the side-lines. Not your finest performance. You tried to do the right thing — to your credit, you did try to pass more — an improvement from taking too many touches. One-touch passing, more teamwork. But your focus drifted. You lost the ball too often. You didn’t protect it. You looked frustrated.
It wasn’t just a game that was lost; it was a reminder that attitude and likeability are part of performance too. You can have talent, skill, and speed — but if you can’t be coached, can’t listen, can’t lift others — then the game will move past you.
And even before the match, our evening together had gone wrong because of the maths incident. I wanted to train with you, but the energy was gone. That’s what happens — one small crack can shake the whole structure.
Likeability Matters
You can have all the skill in the world, but if people don’t like playing with you, your opportunities will dry up. At the end of the Crystal Palace game, I could count on one hand how many times your teammates passed the ball to you. Think about that.
Coaches look for talent, yes — but they keep players who are respectful, humble, and great teammates. A likeable player lifts the spirit of the team. He encourages from the sidelines when subbed off. He cheers others’ success. He listens to feedback.
That’s what professionals do. They know the team is bigger than their ego.
The Northampton Game
Then came the Northampton game — a long journey, over five hours round trip. A better mindset this time. You started as a defender in the first half because the team was short at centre-back. That was selfless, and I respect that. But you needed to be tighter on their strikers — football is about defending as well as scoring.
In the second half, you moved up field and produced your best attacking display in weeks — a hat trick and an assist. Still, a 5–4 loss. Even with your goals, I’d rate the performance at 7/10. You lost the ball too easily at times, but to be fair, you’re improving — taking fewer touches, moving the ball faster. Your third goal, that one-touch lob from a loose ball- over the keeper, showed exactly what you’re capable of.
And yes, I refused to buy the McDonald’s on the way back. I could see how much you wanted it — but I hope you can be hungrier about turning professional and having the mindset of a pro going forward.
We had a few conversations on the journey. You said you see yourself ready in two years. I’m prepared to support you — but you must take the initiative.
The Team Beyond the Pitch
At home, being a good teammate means listening when Mum or I offer help. Notice how smoothly the conversation about the periodic table went last night? That’s what growth looks like — open, calm, respectful learning.
These conversations are designed to make you a better all-round performer and ensure that our family team grows stronger together. You are, as I like to say, a River of many talents.
At school, it means showing respect to teachers and classmates. On the pitch, it means being the player others want beside them — not because you score the most goals, but because you make the team better.
Lessons from Uncle Smart
Your Uncle Smart came over this week and showed you different drills. You listened. You worked. You improved. That’s the attitude you need — open, coachable, grateful. That’s how you’ll grow.
Your response during that training session gave me hope. When you engage, when you listen, when you let go of pride — your potential shines through.
But son, you need to understand this clearly: my time is valuable, and lately, you’ve taken it for granted. To earn it back, you must show the maturity and focus of a professional. Football is not a fantasy — it’s a discipline. Unless you do the basics right — listening, learning, respecting, working — there will be consequences. Not out of punishment, but out of principle.
You’ve served your detention, and yet you have another low-level one pending. The pattern is familiar — but so is the potential. I still believe you can turn this around. You just have to decide that you will.
Being a good teammate isn’t glamorous. It’s not about fame or followers. It’s about humility, discipline, and heart. The professionals you admire — Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cuhna ( from the current Man Utd. Side) — they didn’t rise by accident. They became the best teammates first.
So this week, son, the goal remains:
Be likeable. Be teachable. Be dependable.
That’s how you build trust. That’s how you build greatness.
Mind the gap, son.
And this week, close it — by being the best teammate in every team you belong to.
With love,
Dad
