I think only a fraction of promising players reach their potential. You need at least 4 prodigies in each position to get a national team full of gun players since 3 our of 4 will probably disappoint
Sometimes players unexpectedly improve late in in careers. Players like Bailey Wright the Socceroo CB who played quite a few games partnering Kye Rowles before the 2022 World Cup. No AL club was interested in him. He had to go overseas to get a pro career.
Another may be Cam Burgess. There is also that Scottish striker who was unwanted by AL clubs too and went overseas seeking pro football.
I think it is true what you say, Grazor.
Players often don't reach their potential.
Looking back at the Socceroo u23s a year or two ago from the team selected by Tony Vidmar and those on the bench, the career trajectory has been quite different from what one expected.
Kai Trewin was barely starting and many CBs were preferred over him. Italiano I thought had little improvement left. Both are now senior Socceroos.
Villupillay struggled to score at times. He is now a Roo too.
Conversely, Courtney-Perkins was the best player in the Olympic qualifying tournament playing left CB. He is now benched at SFC.
Natta is only just in the Jets line up, after showing a lot of early promise.
I don't think Jelacic has kicked on as expected either.
Jake Hollman has kicked on, but has made a terrible club move which will probably set his career back years.