Football scouting: How does talent discovery work?
The future of football isn't just about data and modern technologies. The continuously improving level of players is also very important. Today, they need to be technically skilled, but they must also possess speed, strength, and motivation. Football scouts carefully observe all these qualities and can secure a promising career for them. We know where they operate, what they focus on, and what their work looks like.
Club, agency, and independent scouts
Large and well-known clubs have their own scoutswho operateon a global or local level.They look for young prospects directly for their academies or training centers. These are the ones you'll most commonly encounter. However, there are alsoscouts employed byintermediaries, typicallyagencies.Occasionally, there areindependent talent seekerswho have an international reach and, unlike club scouts, usually don't search among children but rather junior players who have already had some success.
Where does talent discovery take place?
With a bit of luck, a football scout can discover you almost anywhere,like at a school matchor even on the field in front of your house. But these are more coincidences.It's more likely they'll attend junior leaguewhere there's a greater chance of encountering future stars. The greatest certainty in this regard isthe football academies of famous clubs..
The age of new talents varies
You can be discovered stillin childhoodbut alsoat 20 years oldor even a bit later.The averageaccording to global statistics isaround 13 years.And a similar age is also typical for rising stars that football academies are interested in. While at ages 16 to 18, differences become more apparent. Some young players quit football, while others continue on their path to the top.
Criteria scouts evaluate
As the level of play increases, soccer scouting becomes increasingly important, but also more complex. Talent scouts must therefore know exactly where and, most importantly, how to search. And new talents they select based on at least five different criteria,which include ball handling and overall technique, absolute speed and strength. Besides that, they are also interested in game tactics and the overall approach to individual duels and team cooperation. Even for the best players, it is important to leave a good impression and show not only physical abilities but also psychological ones. Without motivation and competitiveness, they wouldn't get very far.
How to Prepare for a Meeting with a Scout?
Even though talent scouts today also look at videos or statistics, what remains crucial for them is still personal meeting with young soccer players. On the field, their qualities are simply recognized best. Therefore, it's necessary to work on the skills you excel in, and if you know that scouts will be watching the game or practice, don't hesitate to go forballs and show what you're made of. Different qualities will be focused on for forwards, and different ones for midfielders or goalkeepers. Simply put, though, you can follow this scenario:
- Carefully watch your position on the field and the area you are supposed to move in based on your role.
- If you get the ball, try to control or pass it in a way that benefits your team the most, or potentially improves the score.
- If the situation allows, show your agility, physical fitness, or speed. Not only will you gain an advantage, but you might also impress a scout at first glance.
- Keep a cool head to show that you are both strong and mentally resilient, and that you can support your team in tough times.
