Michael van Gerwen is going through an uncharacteristic slump of form of sorts heading into the World Grand Prix where he will face off against Krzysztof Ratajski.
For Van Gerwen, it is something which he admits he would have gone through eventually and that he is still winning tournaments while he is going through this so it isn't that big of a slump yet.
"Everyone in life finds a patch like that, Phil Taylor had that before but everyone has been in that position. People don't have to worry about me. I never saw a sportsman in their life that always ends up well."
"Talent doesn't go away, but you have to fight for it and you have to work for it, simple as that," added the Dutchman.
"I just spoke to Vincent who was here a minute ago and he said: 'If this is the bottom of your game and you are still winning tournaments, then there is a lot more to go for'.
"I trust Vincent 100 per cent, we support each other through good times and bad times and of course things aren't going my way in the last few months, but you need to take it on the chin and you need to make sure you get stronger."
In terms of the World Grand Prix, he admits that no matter who he would have played it would have been tough but that he is confident of a good result.
"With the double start and everything it's a little bit off your normal routine. I've been practising and it went quite well, and you also need to make sure you take this to the tournament.
"I'm up for it and I feel good. It could be easier [against Ratajski] but it also could be more difficult. You also could have Gary Anderson in the first round. You can always complain but why would you complain?
"You have to battle them, you have to smash them, simple. That's the only thing that counts.
