Of course, soccer, like any sport (even if I dislike it) is skilled.
Soccer players have to pass at speed, control the ball at speed, go past the opposition, cross the ball, shoot, all this asacurately as they can, again, at speed. And the higher levels of the sport demands all this be done at top speed. And all this whilst the opposition is trying to sop you, by fair means or foul.
You try passing a perfect long pass at speed 30-70 yards downfield, you try to dribble past players at speed whilst retaining complete control of the ball, you try to get past players and shoot or cross for a teammate. Again, all this at speed and whilst multiple members of the opposition, all equally as fit and big as you, some bigger, are trying to stop you.
Soccer takes great skill. And top soccer takes skill only 1 in 10000 will have to make it as a top professional.
Or better yet, try it while someone is sliding across your shins with studs up with a decent possibility of snapping your leg like a twig if it’s done wrong.
BTW, thank you very much for your PMs about our beloved RFC. I’ve had a huge week and will reply soon.