We're back! In this second (and shorter) edition of The Touchline Theory Soccer Podcast, Will spearheads a discussion with Martin on a dying breed of player: the one-trick pony.

The duo start by remarking upon the seemingly incredulous rise of two once-overlooked, former reserve team defenders--who've now both proven to be invaluable to their respective team's successes this season. Our hosts outline the nature of this sudden rise to prominence and find a particular handful of skills in which each player shockingly excels. The chat then delves into the psychological edge that players free of mentally-shackling transfer fees may have over their expensive, hyped counterparts. They explain how the "stage" may impact performance.

In the second half, they then ponder the modern world's obsession over well-rounded footballers and debate whether that fixation may be leaving diamonds behind in the rough. Do teams need everyone to meet a baseline proficiency for certain skills? How much is enough? Should we applaud Firmino for his defensive output? Is the true 10 done and dusted? Should our keepers be good at providing assists? Have our scouting desires become too greedy?

Join us to hear our answers to all these questions, and more--including the newly codified Rory Delap Test, a double-censor special, and Will getting sidetracked with the Chelsea lineup.

.. but mostly just a lot of talk about Nat Phillips.

Find us on Twitter @touchlinetheory

Find Martin on Twitter @MG_theory, and now Will too (!) @WA_theory

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