British footballers seldom get out of their comfort zone and ply their trade abroad to experience life in other countries.
It is something that has been debated for years as talented British youngsters continually get pushed aside for players who have been purchased from around the world to increase the depths of Premier League squads.
It often comes up in conversation that perhaps up and coming UK-born players should head elsewhere in Europe (to lesser leagues) early in their careers to gain regular first team game time and understand the different ways that the game is played worldwide.
While former Everton star Adrian Heath does not disagree with this concept, he is a firm believer that a player must find a club that fits well with him and where the player in question fits into the particular formation.
Speaking to tribalfootball.com recently, Orlando City SC head coach Heath suggested that English talent must be smart in their choices if things are not quite happening for them with their present team.
"The most important thing is that you go somewhere where it's a good fit for you," said two-time English First Division and one-time FA Cup winner Heath who had a short stint in Spain with Espanyol in the late 1980s.
"I look at some of the guys who go abroad, some of the guys who go to Turkey and these places, and I can't see it working and it generally doesn't. The way that they live their lives, the way that they play their football is different.
"The important thing is to pick wisely where you go. (Gareth) Bale doesn't look like he's having much trouble (at Real Madrid) because he's gone to Spain and playing with great players.
"I think it's important as well regarding the coach you go and play for. Are they buying you because you are a really good player or are they buying you because you fit perfectly into their system?
"Sometimes that happens. Players get bought because they are a really good player and they go into a completely different system.
"I don't think there is anything wrong with going abroad, it's just the different style of football, making it important to pick and choose the right fit."
