Being versatile in modern society is a trait that impresses many. But little do people know, it has its own drawbacks when looked at from a soccer perspective. Why? How does the very quality that proves useful to a coach actually have its negatives? Well, hearing from Emily Sonnett may change your stance, who questioned her own place in Emma Hayes‘ team.

For starters, each role in soccer requires a certain set of qualities. Though Sonnett, who can play as a center back, full back, and defensive midfielder, has all the qualities for such positions, what she fails to do is remain consistent over its execution. “To start from the beginning, I’m playing more of a midfield position, then leaving and playing as a defender, coming back. So, I do feel like the integration is slow,” she admitted on the latest episode of The Women’s Game podcast.

“Over the years, for me, I’m not going to be a goal scorer, making huge attacking plays, so how do I have that consistency over a long period of time—with the national team and with the club—and have it repeated?” The answer to the 31-year-old’s question about working on her individual development was by hiring the external help of professionals.

“That probably took me four years to really get that down, working with an analyst so I can understand exactly where I’m falling short and where I’m not, so you can come back to even and have these consistent years back-to-back,” added Sonnett, admitting what has helped her get going on the pitch.

Notably, Emily played a significant role under Emma Hayes during the recent Paris Olympics. The veteran featured in all six games of the tournament, starting in two matches where she played the full 90 minutes, including the final group stage match against Australia and the quarterfinals against Japan, while making appearances off the bench in the other four games.

Surprisingly, for the opening group stage match against Zambia, Hayes used Sonnett as a defensive midfielder, replacing Lindsey Horan, unlike the other five games where the Gotham star was deployed as a center-back. Either way, getting minutes under Hayes sounds like good news, considering the negative narrative Emily had built in her mind.

Emily Sonnett accepted a long ago that she would never be a ‘starter’ for Emma Hayes’ USWNT

Though you might have seen Emily Sonnett having gained minutes under Emma Hayes during the Summer Games, the versatile star had already come to terms with the likelihood of spending most of her time on the bench. “I’ve never actually been a starter, so I felt like I knew my role going in was going to be off the bench,” she previously admitted.

Even though she mostly stood correct, gaining considerable minutes at such a stage is something to be proud of. Highlighting her adaptability as her greatest strength, she explained, “As a natural center-back, I knew my biggest role and the best thing for this team was to be able to play anywhere I was needed.”

The Gotham star further shared that she became so invested in the team’s success that it no longer mattered to her whether she started matches or came off the bench. Indeed, a true act of selflessness, which surely paid her off!