HMMMMM.....
To me it depends.
1- you can teach skills
2- you can work on some speed
3- you cannot do much about size (legally anyway)
4- you can teach game smarts, but must also be desired
Therefore
a- If you have 2 and/or 3 and you are older than 12. Chances are you will not be very good in this game.
b- if you have only 1. it depends on work ethich and position.
c- usually you want some combination which includes 1 and 4 with 2 or 3.
I know of plenty of fast big players that cannot work themselves out of a paper bag. I also know of smaller avg speed player who have skills to kill and the vision to play.
It is my opinion that soccer is played by skilled athletes that have mental quickness (not physical speed).
For example
American football the preferred size for colleges is in the 6'+ range , about 200lbs.
Basketball 6'+ depending on position
Swimming is now in the 6'+ category
Volleyball, Hockey.... it all depends on the game and not all people meeting the qualification can do what is required.
Pele was 5'8", Michael Owen is small.
If one went with the rule bigger is better, DaMarcus Beasley would be running track instead. Think about this kid who would be blown into the next county if there was a strong breeze.
5'8" 145lbs... to me has plenty of #1 some number 4 (working to improve both in Europe) and oodles of #2. But all the speed in the world means nothing without control in this game.
So the right mix should be key.
