Yates had one elite level skill - his physicality and combativeness. If the rest of his game is OK, that one thing he does in the top percentile allowed him to become a Prem player.

Same with Ruben. We know he has dubious consistency and pace, but he's a top percentile creative passer so Oxford pick him to start every game (almost) in the Championship, and other clubs will be lining up to give him a shot after that