Player Profile: Ben Gladwin, Central Midfielder
Last Updated: 06/10/16 12:29pm
![](https://uatimg.skysports.com/11/01/660x350/academy-blog-ben-gladwin_2552946.jpg?20110119122339)
Growth is an important part of football. And Ben Gladwin knows that better than most.
Growth is an important part of football. And Ben Gladwin knows that better than most. "Over the last 6 months, I've grown about 18 cm in height. My dad's something like 6ft 4, I'm 6ft 1. So I've probably got a bit to go.
"The Academy coaches have given me exercises to help strengthen and stretch my legs and back, but they've also looked at my position and switched me to a defensive midfield role. Breaking forward from the centre is difficult for me at the moment, so I'm learning to provide cover instead.
"It's benefitting me though, without that mobility, I'm having to focus more on game intelligence and being two steps ahead of the play. I think it's something that, once I learn, will help improve my overall game."
That ability to learn is reaping real benefit for Ben in the Nike Academy. "I'm learning something from the coaches every day. We had a really good passing session with Paul Hart, who came in as a guest coach. I played a few nice balls, then threw in a bit of a lazy one. Paul called me over and told me to 'play every pass like it's the last one you'll ever play'. That stuck with me."
It should be a very long time, before Ben plays his last ever pass. What happens between now and then is down to him.
Follow Ben's progress on The Nike Academy on Facebook