The thing about Steve Cropper's playing is that it was essentially perfect in service to songs. It was never in service to Steve Cropper or to some imaginary guitar-god leaderboard. However, focusing on Cropper's playing kind of misses some of the point: his influence as a writer and producer is just as important.
Fun fact: Eric Clapton is always touted as being the only guitarist the Beatles ever brought in on a record. But, years before, the Beatles had worked hard to get in a studio with another guitarist entirely. Who was that? Yes: It was Steve Cropper.
Anyway. Everyone in the industry—especially guitar players—could do a lot worse than pay attention to how Steve Cropper did things. Thank you, sir.