Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings: Enjoy Football, Dream Big for Indonesian Youth

Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings urged young Indonesian aspiring footballers to prioritize enjoyment and dreaming big, rather than succumbing to early pressure.

"I always thought the longer I enjoyed playing football, enjoyed training, and enjoyed the sacrifices, the bigger my chances were of becoming a professional player," Mings said during a pre-match press conference in Jakarta. He believes that a less pressured environment fosters greater success.

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I always thought the longer I enjoyed playing football, enjoyed training, and enjoyed the sacrifices, the bigger my chances were of becoming a professional player. So enjoyment in an environment that isn't pressured is important.

The 33-year-old emphasized that after cultivating a love for the sport, relentless hard work and the courage to pursue dreams are crucial. He also advised young players to disregard negative opinions, work harder than their peers, and be prepared for opportunities with a bit of luck.

Mings shared his own journey, starting at Southampton's academy and moving through various clubs like Bristol Rovers, Ipswich Town, and Bournemouth before joining Aston Villa. He has made 209 appearances for Villa, scoring nine goals and providing 11 assists, and earned 18 caps for the England national team.

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And I also think if you want to be a professional, don't let other people tell you any different. You have to be brave enough to dream, work hard, and show more dedication than the person next to you. Mix that with a bit of luck and being in the right place at the right time. Wish them luck.