It seems to me we confuse latent talent with gifts.

This latent talent for rabble-rousing was propelling him to unassailable and catastrophic power.

I tried and tried again; but saw (or heard) there was no latent talent here waiting to be unlocked, and gave up.

Latent talent from economically weaker section generally goes waste in absence of resources.

The army released his latent talents, educated him and gave him a purpose.