The phrase "was talented" can be expressed in several different ways using synonyms. Some alternatives include "had a gift for," "possessed natural ability in," "showed aptitude in," "demonstrated proficiency in," "excelled at," "had a flair for," and "displayed a knack for." Each of these phrases conveys the idea that the individual being described has a special talent or skill that is noteworthy. It's important to use varied language when describing someone's talents to avoid repetitive phrasing, and by using synonyms, one can convey the same message with different words.