1) Yes. From the FAQ:
Talent has no direct influence on training as such. It does however limit how high a player can reach in his skills. If a player has talent;
1 then his maximum is 11
2 then his maximum is 12
3 then his maximum is 13
4 then his maximum is 14
5 then his maximum is 15
6 then his maximum is 16
7 then his maximum is 17
8 then his maximum is 18
9 then his maximum is 19
10 then his maximum is 20

Half star is one level.

2)!?

Gurudefence wrote: slider6 wrote: 2) What day are the scouting reports reset back to 5? Weekly update I believe: Wednesday at 4am. If this is not true, Thursday at 4am

after the Training / Youth players pull reset - Every Thursday at 04:00 AM

I always look forward to using my scouts so I found out that they are available thursday.

Usually use them on thursday and regret afterwards when I see other players that I might be interested in