Ability and Potential (PSP)

Their behind the scenes 'potential' will remain the same however if a player isn't developing fast enough then coaches will consider it less likely they're reach their potential (do bear in mind that in some cases this might simply be the case of the coaches being incorrect about a players potential- they aren't 100% accurate) .. it might be that they're a late bloomer or just unable to fulfil their potential.

Reasons for players not fulfilling potential are many-fold, but I'll list a few in case some are appropriate to your case:

* Players are injured, a bad injury at the wrong time can seriously hurt a youngsters chances of becoming the next big thing.

* OVER training players, if a player is continually knackered then its entirely possible that he'll become injury prone and thus less likely to develop in the long run.

* OVER playing players, if a player is struggling to stay fit then this might affect his development (check his profile if he's jaded or having problems keeping his condition up then this might be a factor).

* Bad luck (the sh*t happens situation)

* Poor professionalism, if a player is continually late for training etc. - then he'll be less likely to concentrate and fulfil his potential

* Size of club, players at a smaller club will be less likely to have access to quality coaches and facilities and thus less likely to become world class.

So how does ability/potential increase? I assume by decent game ratings (8+)

His in match performances and happiness/training performances will help impress a coach with regards to his potential in the main.

Also, what really determines the skill of a player? Is it his attributes? His potential/ability? Both? Does ability act as some kind of factor/multiplier?

There are a number of factors involved in the 'skill' of a player his attributes, his ability and his personality/hidden factors.

A player will higher potential than ability will occassionally 'show' that potential by playing above his current ability now and again - but won't be consistently at a higher level until he truly reaches it (thus that young kid with huge potential might every now and then crack an amazing shot off from 30 yards, but generally stay inconsistent until he gains the maturity to do it consistently).

There are personality traits which can affect a players personality both for the good and bad - thus an unprofessional player may ignore instructions or be late for training etc., a professional and hard working player will always give 100% regardless of whats going on in the team at present (think Gerrard at Liverpool presently) ..

I take it these are hidden? Otherwise I am sure I woould have spotted them somehow...

Some personality traits are present as standard 'attributes' - others you have to infer through the text shown on the players profiles, for instance a player who is 'angry' about a situation is likely to have a poor temperament, one who is frustrated is showing restraint and likely to be more professional etc.

Again, just to be clear: Generally speaking, two players with the same stats (technical, mental, fitness, etc) will perform stronger/weaker depending on their ability, correct?

If all other stats are equal (including hidden ones) then yes the ability will be the determining factor in most cases BUT ...... also do bear in mind that a players morale can affect performances (and indeed a low morale isn't always bad for performances, some players play best under pressure) as can their happiness, contractual settings (goal bonus etc.) and every player also has an 'ability offset' which is basically an indication of his current form - he might be playing at the top of his game or having a down period ... its up to you as manager to decide.

Let's assume I have two identical players. Same stats, same positions, age, nationality, (let's assume the hidden factors are also the same), etc. One of them has 4 stars, the other has 2 stars. Is one of them twice as good as the other? What is the ratio, i.e. how "important" is ability in the end...?

Ability is very important BUT not the be all and end all, for instance if you have a very rigid style you want them playing with an old fashioned defensive setup them a limited defender who is strong where you need him will probably suit you better than a more talented player who has a habit of trying to dribble the ball out of the box ..... horses for courses.