Scouting tips

Scouting is an essential aspect of any football club, whether it’s for young players to enter the academy, or experienced professionals for the first team. Identifying top talent is the difference between middling seasons and championship glory. With the evolution of technology, alongside the tried-and-true methods, the role of a scout is more exciting and complex than it has ever been. Whether you’re a seasoned recruiter or just breaking into this field, these useful tips will ensure you’re on the leading edge of talent identification.

Understand success in your context

Observe and identify the traits shared by successful players in your league or division. From Premier League juggernauts to lower-tier workhorses, there are often consistent physical, mental, and even social attributes that correlate with success. This understanding sets a benchmark for what your club values and can be crucial in filtering potential candidates that match your ‘DNA’.

For instance, in the Premier League, successful players often exhibit superb stamina and speed, complemented by high levels of football IQ and the ability to perform under pressure. A midfielder, for example, might be celebrated for their relentless work rate, precise passing accuracy, and spatial awareness, allowing them to dictate the tempo of the game. Meanwhile, a defender’s success might hinge on their physical strength, aerial dominance, and the mental resilience to make crucial interventions. By scrutinising these attributes in potential signings, scouts can make informed decisions that align with the club’s strategic goals and playing style.

Digital tools can provide an edge

In today’s fast-paced world, traditional pen-and-paper detective work in scouting is enhanced by advanced software. Digital platforms are becoming integral to the scouting process, offering access to vast amounts of data and video footage for in-depth player analysis. Becoming proficient in these tools can significantly improve the efficiency and comprehensiveness of your scouting reports.

Art and science

Stats don’t lie, or so the saying goes. Modern scouting combines traditional, subjective observations with concrete data. Look deeper than just goals and assists, and consider metrics like pass completion rates, interceptions, and distance covered. Breakout candidates often have impressive stats that can reveal their worth beyond the highlight reel.

Moreover, data is becoming much more accessible to lower-tier clubs as Wyscout expands its licensing agreements. This democratisation of data means that even smaller teams can leverage advanced metrics to identify and recruit talent, levelling the playing field in the scouting arena.

Video scouting and live data

Whether watching from the stands or through a live feed, real-time player tracking technology offers the chance to see beyond just the ball. Utilising advanced camera systems and algorithms, systems can provide detailed player activity metrics, including distance covered, speed, and positioning, which are invaluable in identifying how a player might fit into your team’s tactics and strategy. This technology not only enhances the viewing experience by offering deeper insights into the game but also provides coaches and analysts with critical data to make informed decisions, optimise team performance, and tailor training to the specific needs of players. The benefits of live data feed platforms extends to scouts and managers as well, offering a data-driven approach to player recruitment and evaluation.

Seeing the individual

A player’s personality and mindset are as crucial as their physical ability. Tools like sports psychologists or structured interviews can offer insights into a player’s ambition, work ethic, and adaptability. Establishing a systematic approach to analysing these attributes can significantly increase the chance of a successful recruitment.

FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy exemplifies how prioritising psychological and mental attributes alongside physical ability can lead to success. The academy has produced top talents like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, and Andres Iniesta. By integrating sports psychologists and employing structured interviews, La Masia evaluates the ambition, work ethic, and adaptability of young talents. This comprehensive approach has not only contributed to the personal development of the players but also ensured a consistent supply of well-rounded individuals to the main team. The success of La Masia’s recruits on the global stage underscores the effectiveness of systematically analysing mental and personality attributes in sports recruitment.

It’s all about relationships

Scouting goes beyond game observation—it’s centered on relationship-building. Developing a robust network offers insider insights, granting a competitive advantage. By fostering good relations from youth academies to rival teams, scouts gain early access to player information. Key networking tools include LinkedIn for professional connections, sports forums and conferences for industry-specific insights, and social media platforms like SnapChat and X for real-time updates and interactions.

Don’t stand still

The footballing landscape is constantly changing, and scouts must evolve with it. Attend seminars and summits, learn from the top talent spotters, and always be on the lookout for the ‘next big thing’ in scouting. Continuous learning is the shield against becoming outdated in a field that’s perpetually moving forward.

Scouting is both an art and a science, a balancing act of intuition and analysis. By staying abreast of innovations and refining your approach, you can ensure that your club continues attracting the finest talents. The game is always changing, and so must we, as scouts, be ready to adapt and thrive in the dynamic world of professional football.