There has always been a divide of perspectives when it comes to analyzing great talent. What one may see to be just a gift, others will call it a product of hard work. The two aspects of a great athlete have long been debated and rarely has there been a crossover talent. Recently, the same debate took place on a reputed platform and, although the room wasn’t divided, several athletes were up to be tested.

While Stephen Curry and LeBron James are both hailed to be great, one was belittled to praise the other by the German soccer star.

LeBron James and Stephen Curry: Is There Any Difference?

Kevin-Prince Boateng, an ex-Barcelona player, was recently in a conversation with 44-year-old Rio Ferdinand. While talking about his experience playing alongside Lionel Messi, Boateng presented a more nonchalant image of the Argentinian. He said that Messi sometimes doesn’t even pay attention to the coach’s words before big games, then steps on the ground and makes everything look easy.

Ferdinand acknowledged on his show that such examples can be damaging to young athletes because not everybody possesses that type of ability. Taking things further, Boetang said that Messi is all about his ‘gifted abilities’ and that he places him in the same bracket as Curry.

On the other hand, Boetang presented some examples of pure hard work, and Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo was placed alongside King James. Boetang said “LeBron James is hard work. Talent of course but hard work. Like Ronaldo. Hard work to be the best. These both guys (Messi and Curry) they have just a gift.”

Ferdinand, who shared stage with Ronaldo during his first stint with Manchester United has also hailed CR7 as the hardest worker ever.

Talent vs. Hardwork: The Great Divide

Every sport boasts athletes who are all about their work ethic. In the case of the NBA, Kobe Bryant was the name synonymous with being the hardest worker in any room. But the bigger question in the given scenario is, what creates such a divide between supreme athletes? Some athletes are ‘gifted’ without a doubt. While they have worked for countless hours to hone their craft, their execution looks easy to the eyes.

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The ones who are considered the epitome of hard work, their game is flawless too, but due to their limitations or otherworldly drive, they put in that extra hour of work. In the case of King James, he is heading to his 21st season in the NBA. Even at the age of 38, he is considered to be among the top 10 players of the upcoming season. Achieving such things is a product of his hard work and resilience that isn’t known to many.

Can you differentiate between a “gifted” athlete and a hard worker? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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