I’m not saying they are 100% nothing in regards to genetics or something, but do you think there may be players out there who have had to work harder since they may not have had those natural skills as football players? Genetics maybe due to height or speed or other things but what do you think?
My guess is most journeymen who hop from League to league in Asian, African or Latin American countries may have to rely on work ethic as much as natural talent/gifts?
Sounds counterintuitive, but I wonder if it’s is actually easier to only be a hard-working footballer in the higher leagues than a lower league.
For example as a Central Defender in the Pre Pep days ‘all’ you had to do was consistently be in the right place, win tackles and headers, and pass a simple pass or belt the ball down the ground. The players around you are not making as many mistakes that you need to clean up. (Yes I know defence is a skill)
In a lower league at Centre Back, you have players around you making mistakes, forcing you to play differently, and needing you to be able to to more things to get the team out of trouble.
For clarity, what I am suggesting is that as you become more professional and play in better quality teams, you can specialise, and don’t have to be expert at everything.