There is a difference between performance and inherent quality. Some players perform better due to team structure which facilitates strengths and hides weaknesses. Other players play in teams that do not do this. Think Andrew Robertson for Hull City vs Liverpool.

However, there is definitely a link between these two elements; generally speaking, better players perform better even if relative to their respective teams.

Nevertheless, when comparing the performances of various players one must factor in the teams they play for.

This is one of the reasons why big teams sign players from weaker clubs and some of them may have even been relegated. However, big teams may look at certain qualities they have and realise that they are valuable players. Think Georginio Wijnaldum for Newcastle vs Liverpool.

Football players are cultivated to specialise in particular areas. In the Premier League 20 years ago, the CMs were both offensive and defensive. Now, there are actually DMs in a 1-2 midfield, box-to-box players, deep-lying playmakers, half-space operators and much more.

Certain roles can only be facilitated for in certain systems. This is often the reason why we find players performing underwhelmingly in certain teams but then excelling incredibly in other teams. They didn't just become significantly better in a season. A lot of it is systemic.

Likewise, statistical contributions are heavily impacted by possession in games and the latter is impacted by team strength. Player A can attempt five through passes and succeed with two because they play in a team that facilitates them with 65% possession. Player B does not.

However, if Player B played in a similar team they would, too, attempt the same or more through passes and may even succeed with more.

The element of team strength and facilitation is grossly ignored when discussing player performance and it is wrong.

If we argue that Team X doesn't win or lose solely due to Player Y then we, likewise, cannot isolate Player Y's performance away from Team X's facilitation and overall strength.

This is just a short thread on this topic which I may expand on in the future.

Regards,
UA