As a data analyst who's modeled football probabilities across continents, I've learned that true team strength isn't measured by flashy wins—but by consistency. In this quiet reflection from a London flat overlooking the Thames, I unpack why we must ask one crucial question before calling a South American side 'elite': Why aren’t their best players in the national squad? The answer reveals more than tactics—it speaks to identity, selection, and what really defines greatness.