Nicholas Wlodarczyk, The Engine

If life was a locomotive, Nicholas would be in the engine room. The tenacious midfielder is workman-like in his approach to the game and brings back memories of players like Gatusso. Though his favorite club is Liverpool, the parallel stands. Klopp would surely enjoy the employ of Nicholas who never shy’s away from hard work.

Hey coach I’m just coming home from the gym.

This has become an expected comment from Nicholas after an hour or two of intense practice. It’s players like these that make a coaches job easy.

Favorite Player

I know the answer you’re expecting is Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi. My favorite, favorite player is Ronaldo. Aside from the goats, it has to be Sergio Ramos. He is an absolute menace out there. These are the only two players I follow on social media by the way.

It’s easy to see where Nicholas’ work ethic and attitude towards the game comes from. The players he emulates are the epitome of hard work in spite of talent. Nicholas also enjoys the tenets of gegenpressing often seen in teams coached by Jurgen Klopp, the current Liverpool gaffer.

Gegenpressing (counter-pressing) is simply winning the ball immediately after losing possession. The opposition’s intention after getting the ball is to start a counter; hence their defensive organisation is broken, leaving them vulnerable because their players are quite apart in the quest to score a goal.

Motivation

Nicholas is the type of player who sets high standards and works hard to achieve and maintain them. Where other players slack off, Nicholas picks up the slack. This strong work ethic can be attributed to his upbringing.

Raised by both parents, the stage for independence and grit was set. Though love underpinned the family’s values, it was important for Nick’s family to inculcate an attitude of resilience and problem solving into their son and daughter. These attitudes served Nick well in his adolescent years when he encountered problems that would daunt other young men.

Favorite Quote

It’s not about how hard you can hit, it’s about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward.

It’s not over when you lose, it’s only over when you quit.

Setbacks

Nick enjoyed his college years but suffered from a moment of indecision that negatively impacted his college soccer career. One decision out of step ruined his reputation to the point where upwards of 30 college coaches wrote the young polish midfielder off. It was his never give up attitude that allowed him the opportunity to continue his D1 college career at Central Connecticut State University for 3 years.

Graduating as a double major in General Finance and General Business our tireless midfielder lived pass his earlier short comings and blossomed into a great human being.

The denials made me better and more grateful. Even though I was at my lowest point because of a mistake I made, I kept pushing.

Favorite Food

Jeez man!!! I eat everything. If I was to choose one thing though, it would be pepperoni pizza. It’s a classic.

Music

Nicholas has an eclectic taste in music but is more inclined to listen to House and EDM.

Hobbies/Hidden Talents

When not working out or playing soccer, Mr. Wlodarczyk enjoys fishing.

Most Memorable Soccer Moment

When asked about the stamina in his motivation, Nick replied that he set high standards for himself. He further went on to say that he likes to prove to himself that the hard work is worth it in the end as he fights for his team and inadvertently motivates them through his actions. This attitude serves himself and his team at the dying embers of the game when players lose focus as they tire.

This attitude allowed a 15 year old Nicholas to enjoy a professional trial in Poland with Wisła Kraków. We look forward to seeing Nick fight for 3rd Eye FC in the UPSL.

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VICTORY IS BORN OF HARMONY