It seems every month there are reports of young players that will go on to be world beaters. To drum up more interest they are often touted as 'the next (insert great player here)' but very rarely do these players live up to the billing. I often say Cristiano Ronaldo is an example of when potential is achieved but for every player like Ronaldo there are thousands of Nanis.

Nani came to United with a big future ahead of him, touted as a potential future Ronaldo. He impressed initially but now he can not even make the squad and after joining the club in 2007 is being linked with a transfer to La Liga or Serie A. But what happened to the winger?

Nani claims he has not been given a chance and despite playing well can find himself benched in the next game but these good games he talks of become rarer as he becomes frustrated with his dwindling role at the club.

There is a saying that 'hard work beats talent if talent doesn't work hard' and this is evident if we compare Nani with lets say Theo Walcott.

Walcott joined Arsenal with a big reputation. He was touted as the new Thierry Henry but it is evident that although he has a long and bright future ahead of him under Wenger, he has not progressed as it was expected.

I don't think I am wrong in stating that Nani has more natural talent than Walcott as the Portuguese winger has a better touch, cross and weaker foot but it is more than evident that Nani along with lacking a footballing brain does not apply himself to the game the way Walcott does. Walcott has been blighted by injuries and despite not being as talented as Nani, will go on to bigger things due to his attitude and the way he gets down into the game.

Even when given a chance Nani fails to display the talent we know he has instead displaying a less than pleasant attitude and his recent outburst in the media do him no favours whilst Walcott just gets about his job on field.

Douglas Costa is another player, who despite not being as great a player as touted, has considerable talent but instead of using this to further his career turns up late for training and has been in trouble with the police.

It takes more than just talent to get by and Nani is the perfect example of this. The right attitude and the willingness to buckle down and learn the trade is what separates an ok player from a good and possibly great one.