Hurling, football, rugby, etc, highlight the contrast in the manner in which these sports are played when compared to how some professionals play soccer.
You are right about getting the tough man image out of soccer, but as you well know all of the great teams had tough men on the team and some of the best players, while skillful could certainly take plenty of stick as well, which probably made them the players that they are/were. So both are a requirement in all sports to be the best, whether it be soccer, hurling or table tennis, imo?