Yes, it's possible, but often it's just because of asymmetric information. Pundit only looks at the match day performance, and not measuring progress, fitness level, and training performance. Often the coach sees Player A is in a good physical shape, training well, seems can be trusted. But on D-Day, he plays like a crap. Thus Pundit questioned the coach judgment instead of other things, like Player A choked. Conversely, Player B is a troublemaker (not discipline), not training well, and prone to injury, but he often plays well on D-Day. Thus, fans and Pundit think he is a better player and should be played more where it can be just a fluke.

Speaking of tactics, the team needs to understand and execute tactics correctly before it can be deployed in a real match. Often, pundits are just like "why not use tactics X or Y?" when the coach already tried it but failed in training.