There is a reason he is called "Slow Hand" he does more with the notes he doesn't play than many of these thrasher Guitar God wanna-bees do with their endless repetitive arpeggios.
Nailed it. Phrasing is sort of a subtle thing but Clapton has got the knack, big time. When he's on, he is so tasteful it's not even funny. He says just what needs to be said at just the right time in just the right way. Even his fills are always these perfect little hooks.
I do completely agree with the fact that Clapton doesn’t feel the need to Van Halen & Vai out on songs—thank goodness! But he just in my mind is no better than many thousands of others, and I like creative genius—I just don’t believe he has that. But I do realize I’m in not the majority with that opinion.