Performing at your best requires an understanding of both your own role and ability, along with those of the opposition you are up against. Every league has its peculiar quirks and differences. Failing to adapt your game to the level to make the most of certain opportunities while minimising the risk of dangers is a major mistake.
While it is easy to classify leagues by their “farmer” status, the differences between them are actually far more pronounced. A player like Kulusevski struggling to make his mark at Juventus can come to Spurs and suddenly look twice the player. Lukaku can get regular grief in the Premier League but dominate Serie A. Spacing varies at different levels in both width and depth, meaning the time one can create for themselves on the ball as well as the passing options typically available after are different. Beyond this, there are also varied tactical schemes in each league rather than one favoured universal approach.
Players who rise through the league system like Vardy do so because they are able to exploit specific strengths in their game while hiding lesser abilities (at least until they have had time to develop them up to the standard required).
An excellent player can underperform simply due to the fact they do not understand and/or are not adapting to the requirements of the level. That leaves an open door for tactically aware players who are able adapt their game to the environment.
With each level in England, teams become greater at pressing and closing space off. This also means higher defensive lines are kept. That said, the emphasis is heightened on smart movements in behind to both create chances oneself and space further back. The best attacking players in the Premier League all share this commonality and it is one reason that inside forwards with freedom to get in behind like Salah and Son have become the leading goal scorers. Vardy thrived on this at Leicester by making it the focal point in his game.
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