Everton key man Tom Cleverley reckoned his Manchester United and England lows have helped turn his faltering career around.
After a blistering start to his professional career, lifting the Premier league trophy in 2013 with United, injuries and a loss of form saw Cleverley go out to four different clubs on loan -- Leicester City, Watford, Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa -- before sealing a move to the Toffees last year.
Having worked his way into Roberto Martinez's plans, the midfielder's endeavour has paid dividends, with Roy Hodgson calling him up for next week's England 40-man get together at St George's Park.
While he is thankful that his football career is going in the right direction, Cleverley knows his past is what makes him a much better player now.
"It was a whirlwind," he told The Mirror.
"Turning the Charity Shield against City around, beat Arsenal 8-2, Tottenham 3-0. It was too good to be true... I got a bad injury in the next game.
"When you are young, you do think you are unstoppable. You are young, enthusiastic and you don't think the other side of it. The low side.
"I don't want to dwell on what happened but it makes you a stronger character. It wasn't easy, but and in the long run it makes you a better player,
"I have experienced the highs and lows of football."
As he continues to rebuild his reputation as one of England's best central midfielders, the 26-year-old constantly reminds himself of the pitfalls in football, as he works towards adding to his 13 international caps with England.
"I am only 26 but I feel a lot more experienced than maybe I should be. These things all happen in football... maybe it is a bit more extreme in my career than anyone else's but I think it has made me a better person.
"It was a bit of a downward spiral. In that United team I was never going to be the superstar, and the position I was playing I was never going to get a couple of goals that would have turned it around.
"But I go back to my roots... my mum and dad. I wouldn't say I ever had that superstar tag despite being at United so young, and that made me work harder at different aspects of my game. It worked out in the end."
His manager Martinez, suggested that there is "no better English player with the ability and the tough lessons that he's [Cleverley] has been through," and the player himself, is hoping that his consistency this season will help him achieve his ultimate goal of going to a major tournament with the Three Lions, especially with the European Championships nearing.
"He is right when he says there is more to come from me, and it would be the pinnacle to be involved in a major tournament with England," Cleverley added.
"But at the minute my head is firmly with Everton. All this has made me thicker skinned -- I believe I can win more silverware and if I do that will make it a little sweeter."
Cleverley's next opportunity to shine will come on Saturday when Everton hosts West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park.