Most of the players I know who couldn't make the step up couldn't do it for two reasons - athleticism, and mentality. And they often go hand-in-hand. Mostly, they didn't have the speed to cope with the level up (even in pub leagues), or they didn't have the mentality to keep pushing through the initial failures, or to look after their body, or to do the demanding training. After those two, touch and game intelligence are the next two issues that hold players back. But having the first two qualities in abundance makes moving up much easier.
A good answer to a good question.
On the back of that, a question from me, if I may..
When I was younger I had bags of athleticism and a good mentality. I looked after my body (still do) and loved training (apart from the hard laps).
I also had game intelligence. And from a young age when all the other kids were sprinting forward wanting to be the next Ian Rush, I would hang back to guard against the counter etc. I became a semi-decent defender and keeper (when needed). My touch has never been that bad either.
But what I have lacked is confidence on the ball. I've always needed a second or two more on the ball to steady myself and look up before picking a pass. I've never been a defender that would just jink past an onrushing attacker. Partly because I feared if I get tackled here at the back then this attacker has a clear run on goal. Not good.
So, my question is: Did I have all the ingredients for a decent career in defence? What was I missing?
In other news... that Harvey Elliott is a good player aint he?