Coombs I've made this argument before so don't want to belabor the point, but he didn't beat fullbacks with his close control, but with his pace and jerky, unorthodox movements. Defenders (and sometimes keepers, as you mention) were surprised and left caught on their heels. But I think over time opponents figured that unusual style out. And the approach relies on peak physical intensity and confidence that is hard to maintain over the longer term.
Yes, he can control a football, but his dribbling is one-footed and largely vertical, and he keeps his head down. He is never involved in shorter passing combinations. His ball striking is nothing to write home about.
