When veteran sumo journalists get together and the conversation turns, as it inevitability does, to up-and-coming wrestlers, talk is rarely of who will be the next yokozuna.
Most writers or commentators are only willing to hypothesize rikishi with the ability to reach sanyaku (the three ranks below yokozuna) with ozeki potential a discussion reserved for outstanding talent.
That's primarily because earning the white rope takes more than just ability.