Sentence:  The most persistent tormentor was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored a hat-trick in last month's corresponding fixture in Iceland. His <WSD>ability</WSD> to run at defences is instantly striking, but it is his clever use of possession that has persuaded some shrewd judges that he is an even better prospect than Theo Walcott. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude. (First attested in the early 17 th century.)<ref name=SOED/>