Let's face it but he is never going to be a world beater. He has the ability but the attitude stinks.
Ronaldo had an attitude that he was God's gift to football but he never complained about working hard. all his coaches said his attitude during training was spot on.
The same for Messi. They all work hard and apply what they learnt in the game.
Quite right. Just having talent isn't enough. If anything those who have the greatest talent have to work the hardest to get the most out of it, because it's easy to slack off and just get by on natural ability. Had he put in the effort every day, every game, who knows how good he could have been? Maybe with a chance to be assured a single role in the first team he will focus more, but I expect that will just play to his weakness to not need to work for his spot, and he'll continue to be mediocre.