After playing and now being around it watching my son but also having exposure to the community club environment on a tactical level I have narrowed down the major difference in perception between community kids, parents players (and also most NPL people) and the elite.

The perception is that people who are trying to move up the rung in terms of status, being appreciated etc are 'always' trying to stand out. The focus on the killer ball or raw athleticism. 
The really elite players understand that you need to do the basics 'incredibly well' first. Look at the way Man city knock the ball around. No killer ball just high level intimate passing, movement, body position etc. 

There is myth that at trials its important for these not yet elite kids to try and stand out. Therefore they do too much on the ball. What the coaches notice first is that they 'cannot' maintain possession under pressure. They are quick forgotten even if they score a scissor.

The best players do the simple things great then at the right time show that creativity that can make them a star. 

The worst culprits are the fathers who give the wrong advice and who probably never played high level football

KISS principle