My opinion, Ashbee was, technically, always just below what you would want in all the divisions he played in - his rate of development was amazing for an older player.
In league 2, he was ok for a captain, but we didn't expect him to make the step up to league 1.
Then, in league 1, he was ok for a captain, but we didn't expect him to make the step up.
Then, in the championship...
And so on. The fact that the same "ok" player in league 2 made it to being an "ok" player in the prem shows what the power of mental strength can do, Ashbee forced himself to make the step up and as has been said, his tackling, positioning, drive, organisation and football brain carried him when his technical skills were not quite enough.