One of the lessons I’ve learnt from following careers of footballers (/soccer players) over the years is that we frequently overemphasize the role of individual talent.
In reality, there’s a certain alchemy when we bring together the right player in the right team under the right manager.
Talent – especially of the precocious nature – helps a footballer get noticed and give them options. But if that mixture goes wrong, even the best of talents can flounder.
The opposite is also true. Players with mediocre relative talent can push close to world class in the right environment.
Applicable well outside football of course.
