The following is a conversation on the notion of the cream rises to the top .

I first publicly touched on this subject, albeit from a different angle, in 2009.

It would seem many – if not most – believed this is how the world works, particularly here in the United States. Head down, work hard, and you will climb the ladder of whatever domain you happen to be in.

Now, in light of recent events and movements in our country, that belief is on shaky ground and arguably naive.

But it seems that in the matter of sports, many still cling on to that notion.
A notion that hinges on the belief that it’s a strict meritocracy.

Well folks, at least in soccer – a fluid 11 v 11 team sport where one on one matchups are not nearly as influential in the win/loss outcome – this notion that the cream rises to the top insofar as individual players are concerned, also is a simplistic and naive view.

With that, the following discussion should provide some food for thought on the matter. It comes from a place of experience in both the youth and professional game, and not merely from a hypothetical or theoretical construction.