Famous sports psychologist Phil Johnson claims that even the biggest football stars sometimes can't handle the pressure of important matches, so they need specialist help.
One of those players, according to the doctor, is Turin's "Juventus" sniper Gonzalo Higuain, who somehow can't perform in crucial matches neither for his national team, nor for the "Serie A" club.
Today the Argentine will try to break the curse and play in the Champions League semi-final against "Monaco".
"When a psychological trauma occurs, it later affects your performance in other matches, because the problem remains unsolved.
For example, when in 2010 Fernando Torres moved to Chelsea, I offered my services to them and the English thought they could handle it themselves.
However, the player was injured during the same transfer - and I could have fixed everything in six hours.
Look at John Terry as well. He didn't dare take a penalty kick for 18 months after the Champions League final fiasco.
Your brain and body remember everything. For example, after a serious injury, it is difficult to actively fight for the ball again, because your brain stops you and tries to protect you.
Speaking of Higuain, when in important matches he tries to score a penalty kick or finds himself in a comfortable position, a similar mechanism kicks in and the ball flies over the goal," the psychologist said.
In 24 Champions League knockout matches G.Higuain has scored only two goals. Perhaps it's time for the Argentine to shine today?
