How football scouting works | BU1 - Everyone can play like a champion
Football scouting: How does the search for new talent work?
The future of football is not just about data and modern technology. The ever-improving level of players is also very important. Today, they must be technically proficient, but they must also have speed, strength and motivation. All these qualities are carefully monitored by football scouts who can ensure a promising career for them. We know where they operate, what they focus on and what exactly their work looks like.
Club, agency and independent scouts
Large and well-known clubs have their own scouts who operate on a global or local level . They then look for young prospects directly in their academies or training centers. You will meet them most often. However, scouts who are employed by an intermediary, usually an agency , are no exception. Alternatively, independent talent scouts appear . who tend to have an international reach and, unlike club scouts, they usually do not look among children, but rather junior players who have already had their first successes.
Where does the talent search take place?
With a bit of luck, a football scout can spot you almost anywhere, like at a school game or even on the field in front of your house. But these are mostly coincidences. It is more likely that he will visit a junior league , where he is more certain that he will come across future stars. The greatest certainty in this case is the football academies of famous clubs .
The age of new talents varies
They can discover you as a child , but also at the age of 20 or even a little later. According to world statistics, the average is around 13 years old . And the age of rising stars who are interested in football academies is also similar. While at the age of 16 to 18, the differences are already very noticeable. So some young players end up with football, while others continue on their way to the top.
Criteria that scouts assess
As the level of play increases, football scouting becomes more and more important, but also more complex. Talent scouts must therefore know exactly where and, most importantly, how to look. And they select new talents according to at least five different criteria, which include ball handling and overall technique, absolute speed and strength. In addition, they are also interested in the tactics of the game and the overall approach to individual duels and teamwork. It is therefore important for even the best players to leave a good impression and to show their mental abilities in addition to their physical abilities. Without motivation and competitiveness, they would not get far.
How to prepare for a meeting with a scout?
Even though talent scouts now also look at videos or statistics. Personal meetings with young footballers are still essential for them . They simply know their qualities best on the pitch. So you need to work on the skills that you are best at and if you know that scouts will be watching a match or training, don't be afraid to go after the ball and show what you have. They will focus on different qualities in strikers and others in midfielders or goalkeepers. However, you can proceed according to this simplified scenario:
- Carefully monitor your place on the field and the area in which you are supposed to move based on your position.
- If you get the ball, try to handle or pass it so that you can do as much as possible for your team, or to improve the score.
- If the situation allows, show off your agility, physical prowess, or speed. Not only will this give you an advantage, but it can also impress the scout at first glance.
- Keep your cool to show that you are both mentally strong and will support your team in difficult times.
