Leeds United's Adam Forshaw is certainly one player who knows the meaning of mental toughness.
In the machismo world of professional football, mentality is a buzz-word often thrown about by pundits, as well as players and managers in post-match interviews.
Forshaw though, is a player who embodies what it means to never give in.
Having last played a senior game for Leeds United at the beginning of their promotion-winning 2019/20 campaign, Forshaw has battled numerous injuries and subsequent setbacks in his fight to return to the pitch.
The former Middlesbrough man made a tentative comeback to action in the U23s' title-clinching game against Aston Villa back in April but withdrew midway through the second half with what appeared to be a muscle strain.
With one year remaining on his contract at Elland Road, the 29-year-old does not have an awful lot of time to prove he is deserving of an extension.
Speaking to students at Sharp Lane Primary School as part of the club's continued community outreach, Forshaw fielded questions from eager youngsters on the topic of mental health, an issue of growing importance.
He revealed his coping mechanisms for dealing with professional frustrations, as well as the benefits of talking to family members when experiencing trying times.
"It's been tough at times, it's been really tough - I won't lie," Forshaw said, streamed on LUTV.
"Having two young children, I've got two young boys, has been good for me to leave my frustration at the door when I leave the training ground and be able to focus my mind on something else and try and be a good dad when I get home so I'm pretty busy when I get home and that's definitely helped me keep my mind occupied.
"I go home and tell my wife a lot, how my day's been. Sometimes leaning on someone is a helping hand and makes you feel better. I think there's a saying isn't there, 'a problem shared is a problem halved' so I think when you talk about things it definitely makes the situation easier," he added.
Marcelo Bielsa has been unwavering in his support of Forshaw, whose misfortune saw him miss out on the promotion run-in and last year's first season back in the Premier League.
For large parts, the midfielder has been unable to train with his teammates, isolated from the camaraderie of a normal changing room.
With the 2021/22 season on the horizon, a crowning achievement of his Elland Road tenure will undoubtedly be donning a Leeds shirt in the Premier League, provided he can stay injury-free this campaign.
