I think it depends on the formation you use and the kind of support the player is getting around him.

For example, if a player has got maxed out attacking stats but poor physical stats and playing as your lone striker, he could fare poorer in a team without a supporting striker or a supporting AMC or supporting wingers in the form of an AML or an AMR. Also, if a previous team had been using this player as just a striker and nothing else, whereas a subsequent, current team has got the player taking freekicks and corner kicks, that would also glisten the ratings.

Hope this helps.