Scouting FAQ

Both matter. Goals show end product, but xG reveals chance quality and whether performance is sustainable. A striker consistently outperforming xG demonstrates elite finishing. One underperforming xG may improve with better service or confidence. Assess both together over extended periods.

Watch full matches, not just highlights. Observe runs across defenders, timing of movements in behind, and ability to create space for teammates. Elite strikers make intelligent runs even when they don't receive the ball, stretching defences and creating opportunities for others.

Match attributes to your tactical system. Target-based systems need physical presence and aerial ability. Possession systems need technical quality and link-up play. Counter-attacking systems need pace and runs in behind. The best strikers combine multiple attributes, but system fit is crucial.

Strikers often peak later than other positions, typically 26-30 years old. Young strikers (18-23) offer development potential but carry risk. Prime-age strikers (24-28) provide immediate impact. Veterans (30+) bring experience but may decline physically. Balance age with value, system fit, and squad needs.

Recurring serious injuries (ACL, multiple hamstring tears), consistent disciplinary issues affecting availability, complete inability to press or work defensively in modern systems, and poor attitude or professionalism. Technical limitations can be coached, but character and injury concerns often persist.

Defensive midfielders prioritise positioning, interceptions, and shielding the defence whilst distributing effectively. Attacking midfielders prioritise creativity, key passes, and goal contributions. However, modern midfielders must contribute both ways. Assess both roles for tactical intelligence and work rate, adjusting emphasis based on primary responsibilities.

Assess progressive passes moving play forward, passes under pressure, and passes into dangerous areas. High completion with only safe backwards passes indicates risk aversion. Lower completion with ambitious forward passes may indicate creativity. Context matters: systems, opponents, and game situations all affect passing statistics.

Tackles alone are incomplete. Elite defensive midfielders often intercept passes through positioning rather than diving into tackles. Combine tackles with interceptions, duels won, and positional discipline. High tackle counts sometimes indicate poor positioning requiring recovery tackles.

Critical. Midfielders cover 11-12km per match, more than any outfield position. They must maintain intensity for 90 minutes in both attacking and defensive phases. Declining performance in latter stages indicates insufficient stamina, limiting effectiveness in crucial moments.

Balance both. Elite specialists (pure defensive anchors or creative playmakers) provide unique qualities but limit tactical flexibility. Versatile midfielders offer squad depth and tactical options but may lack elite qualities. Build squads with specialists for key roles and versatile players for rotation and system changes.

Positioning and intelligence are more valuable than pure physical attributes. Elite centre-backs anticipate danger, cutting off passing lanes and making interceptions. Physical presence helps but cannot compensate for poor positioning. The best defenders combine excellent reading of the game with physical qualities.

Watch full matches to see behaviour under pressing. Assess pass accuracy under pressure, progressive passes breaking lines, and composure when receiving in tight areas. Check errors leading to opposition chances. Elite ball-playing defenders attract pressure and play through it rather than avoiding it with long clearances.

Recovery pace is increasingly important for high defensive lines but not essential for all systems. Deep-sitting defences prioritise positioning over pace. However, modern football trends toward higher lines, making pace valuable. Assess pace requirements based on your tactical system and league demands.

Very important. Two individually excellent defenders may not complement each other. Assess whether partnerships balance aggression with cover, aerial dominance with pace, and left-footedness with right-footedness. Scout defenders considering how they fit existing players, not in isolation.

Consistent errors leading to goals, poor concentration causing lapses, inability to learn from mistakes, recurring disciplinary issues, and severe pace deficiency in systems requiring recovery speed. Technical limitations can be masked by systems, but concentration and discipline problems typically persist.

Wing-backs in back-three systems prioritise attacking and are primary width providers, requiring even greater stamina and attacking output. Full-backs in back-four systems balance attacking and defending more evenly. However, many modern full-backs operate like wing-backs in possession. Scout for versatility and system fit.

Watch crossing technique, delivery variation (driven vs lofted), and decision-making on when to cross versus recycle. Check cross completion rates and expected assists. Elite full-backs deliver dangerous crosses consistently under pressure and fatigue, not just in training ground conditions.

Highly advantageous but not essential. Left-footed players deliver more natural crosses and passes down the touchline. Right-footed left-backs can succeed, especially inverted full-backs tucking inside, but must develop their left foot for basic control and crossing. Elite level increasingly demands natural footedness.

Very important. Full-backs must recover when caught high and defend against fast wingers in one-on-one situations. Pace cannot compensate for poor positioning, but insufficient pace limits tactical systems available. Assess acceleration over short distances, not just top speed.

Depends on your tactical system. Dominant possession teams need attacking full-backs with crossing and dribbling. Counter-attacking teams need defensive solidity. Most systems require balance. Identify non-negotiables based on your tactics, then assess which attacking or defensive qualities are acceptable trade-offs.

Compare goals conceded to post-shot expected goals (PSxG). This measures whether goalkeepers save more or fewer shots than average based on shot difficulty. Consistent outperformance indicates elite shot-stopping. Single matches are unreliable; assess over extended periods (20+ matches minimum).

Essential for top-level football. Modern systems build from the back, requiring goalkeepers to play accurate passes under pressure. Poor distribution limits tactical options and creates turnovers in dangerous areas. At lower levels, shot-stopping may compensate for weak distribution, but elite level demands both.

Height provides advantages for crosses and shot coverage but is not essential. Elite positioning and technique compensate for height disadvantages. However, most professional goalkeepers are 6'0" (183cm) or taller. Shorter goalkeepers must demonstrate exceptional reflexes and positioning to succeed at high levels.

Watch full matches noting when goalkeepers claim crosses versus staying on their line. Elite goalkeepers dominate their six-yard box, claim catchable crosses confidently, and punch dangerous crosses they cannot catch cleanly. Hesitancy leaving defenders uncertain is a major red flag.

Consistent errors leading to goals, poor concentration causing lapses, weak handling dropping shots into danger, inability to play with feet under any pressure, and hesitancy on crosses. Technical limitations can improve with coaching, but decision-making and concentration issues often persist.

Traditional wingers stay wide to deliver crosses with their natural foot (right-footed on right wing). Inverted wingers play on their opposite flank (right-footed on left wing) to cut inside and shoot. Scout traditional wingers for crossing quality and width. Scout inverted wingers for shooting, dribbling inside, and combination play centrally.

Watch full matches assessing dribble success rate, dribble location (final third vs midfield), and outcome (shot, pass, or losing possession). Elite wingers beat defenders in dangerous areas leading to chances. High dribble volume in safe areas is less valuable. Assess decision-making: when to dribble versus when to pass.

Assists alone are incomplete. Use expected assists (xA) measuring chance quality created regardless of finishing. A winger creating high-quality chances with low assists has poor teammates or bad luck. Low xA with high assists indicates luck or excellent finishers. Assess shot-creating actions and key passes alongside assists.

Very important but not essential. Pace creates separation from defenders and enables counter-attacks. However, elite dribbling technique, decision-making, and positioning compensate for pace limitations. Many successful wingers lack elite pace but excel through intelligence and skill. Assess pace requirements based on your tactical system.

Balance both based on your system and squad needs. Wingers in front threes need goal contributions. Wide midfielders in 4-4-2 need creativity and crossing. Elite wingers provide both. Assess whether your strikers need service (prioritise creative wingers) or support (prioritise goal-scoring wingers).

Trust data for identifying patterns across large samples, evaluating physical output, and challenging unconscious bias. Data reveals consistency, workload, and efficiency that single match observation misses. However, always validate data findings with match-watching before making recruitment decisions.

Character, leadership, communication, body language under pressure, tactical intelligence, positioning nuances, and adaptation to different situations. Data measures outcomes but not decision-making quality, composure, or intangible qualities affecting team chemistry and dressing room culture.

Actively seek evidence contradicting initial impressions. Use data to challenge eye-test conclusions and vice versa. Watch matches where players performed poorly, not just highlights. Ask colleagues to scout the same player independently. Document observations before reviewing data to avoid anchoring.

Attackers have clearer data (goals, assists, xG, shots) than defenders where positioning prevents danger. Goalkeepers have strong data (PSxG, save percentage). Midfielders require contextual data (progressive passes, pressures). All positions benefit from combining data with observation, but data reliability varies by position.

Investigate the contradiction. Does poor data reflect system fit, small sample size, or genuine poor performance? Does impressive eye test reflect one-off performance or sustainable quality? Gather more evidence, watch more matches, examine broader data samples. Often contradictions reveal important context both methods miss alone.

Minimum 8-10 full matches across different opponents, tactical setups, and competition levels. Watch matches from different stages of the season. Include matches where the player performed poorly to understand limitations. For major signings, watch 15-20 matches. Single matches or small samples risk misrepresenting true ability.

Highlight reels identify players worth deeper investigation but never make recommendations based on highlights alone. Highlights show only successes, hiding mistakes, poor decisions, and off-ball behaviour. Use highlights for initial screening, then watch full matches for proper evaluation.

Watch the player off the ball as much as on the ball. Assess positioning, movement without possession, defensive work rate, and tactical discipline. Note decision-making quality regardless of outcome. Observe behaviour under pressure and when team is losing. Evaluate adaptation when tactics change.

Note sprint frequency, recovery run intensity, and stamina across 90 minutes. Compare acceleration against different opponents. Assess physical duels success. However, video cannot fully reveal fitness, stamina, or injury resilience. Supplement video analysis with data on distance covered, sprints, and physical output.

Video analysis provides multiple viewings, tactical camera angles, and time efficiency but lacks stadium atmosphere, pre-match observation, and pitch-level perspective. Elite scouting combines both: video for volume and consistency assessment, live scouting for validation and intangible evaluation. Neither alone is optimal.

Halfway line elevated position provides best tactical overview. Sit high enough to see patterns and positioning but close enough to observe physical attributes and communication. Some scouts prefer behind the goal for specific position analysis (goalkeepers, strikers). Move positions across matches for different perspectives.

Minimum 3-4 live matches combined with extensive video analysis. Watch matches in different conditions: home and away, winning and losing, different opponents. For major signings, attend 5-6+ matches. Live scouting validates video analysis rather than replacing volume of matches watched.

Atmosphere handling, communication volume and content, off-ball positioning nuances, warm-up professionalism, response to crowd pressure, physical presence in duels, acceleration quality, and character observation. Live scouting provides context video misses and validates intangible qualities data cannot measure.

Watch the player constantly, not the ball. Off-ball movement, positioning, and tactical discipline reveal more than on-ball actions. Note when the player receives possession: did their movement create the opportunity? How do they position defensively? Elite scouts ignore the ball to observe the player comprehensively.

Arrive early watching warm-up intensity and focus. Note body language throughout the match, especially when losing or after mistakes. Observe interactions with teammates, coaches, and opponents. Stay late watching post-match conduct. Character reveals itself through behaviour under pressure and when nobody is watching closely.

Expected goals (xG) measures chance quality based on historical conversion rates from similar shots. It reveals whether players create high-quality chances and finish efficiently. Use xG to identify strikers outperforming (elite finishing) or underperforming (poor finishing or bad luck). Require large samples (1000+ minutes) for reliability. Never use xG alone.

Attacking: xG, xA, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and carries. Defending: pressures, tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels. Physical: distance covered, sprints, high-intensity runs. Goalkeeping: post-shot xG (PSxG), save percentage. Combine metrics rather than trusting single statistics. Context and sample size critically affect reliability.

Stats from stronger leagues are more impressive than identical stats from weaker leagues. Use league-adjusted metrics when available. Watch matches to assess opposition quality directly. Consider physical intensity, tactical sophistication, and pace differences. Data identifies candidates; video analysis assesses whether performance translates to your league.

Minimum 10-15 matches (900-1350 minutes) for attacking metrics. Defensive metrics need larger samples as events are less frequent. Full-season data (25+ matches) provides reliability. Avoid trusting small samples where random variance dominates. Combine shorter-term data with video analysis for recent form whilst using season-long data for consistency.

Defensive data is harder to interpret than attacking data. High tackle counts may indicate poor positioning requiring recovery tackles. Interceptions reveal reading of the game better than tackles. Aerial duel success, pass completion under pressure, and progressive passes are reliable. However, defensive positioning and intelligence require video analysis. Combine data with extensive video for defenders.

Executive summary with clear recommendation. Player overview (age, position, contract). Strengths with specific examples. Weaknesses with specific examples. Tactical fit for your system. Performance data summary. Transfer fee estimate and contract situation. Detailed match-by-match notes as appendix. Decision-makers read summary; coaches read detail.

One-page executive summary with 2-3 page detailed analysis. Busy decision-makers read the summary; coaches wanting depth read details. Appendices can include match-by-match notes, statistical comparisons, and video timestamps. Concise reports get read; lengthy essays get ignored. Respect reader time.

Absolutely. Credible reports acknowledge weaknesses honestly. Hiding concerns damages trust and leads to poor signings. Address red flags directly, assess whether weaknesses are coachable or deal-breakers, and explain how limitations affect tactical fit. Balanced assessment is professional; one-sided advocacy is amateurish.

Use clear categories: strong recommendation, recommend with caveats, monitor for development, or reject. Provide context comparing to current squad players. Be honest about uncertainties and risks. Support claims with specific evidence. Avoid hyperbole and emotional language. Professional reports inform decisions rather than selling players.

Yes. Include estimated transfer fee, contract expiry date, release clause information, and wage expectations when known. This context affects recruitment decisions as much as player ability. A brilliant player outside budget constraints wastes everyone's time. Business considerations belong in professional reports.

Relative age effect means players born earlier in the academic year are physically and mentally more mature than those born later in the same year group. This creates unfair advantages at young ages. A September-born 10-year-old may be nearly a year older than an August-born teammate. Scout technical ability and potential rather than current physical dominance.

No. Physical early developers often plateau when late developers catch up during adolescence. Prioritise technical foundation, game intelligence, and attitude over current physical dominance. Many elite professionals were small at grassroots level but possessed excellent technique. Physical attributes matter less at young ages.

Observe technical quality under pressure, game intelligence in decision-making, attitude and coachability, coordination and agility (not strength), and versatility across positions. Assess parental support and home environment. Potential reveals itself through adaptability, learning speed, and technical foundation rather than current dominance.

Critical. Supportive parents who encourage without excessive pressure enable development. Over-involved parents creating pressure often burn out talented players. Assess parental behaviour on sidelines, openness to coaching feedback, and home environment stability. Difficult parents can derail talented players regardless of ability.

Technical foundation assessment can begin from age 6-7, but avoid formal recruitment until 8-9. Focus on developing love for the game and technical skills before competitive selection. Elite academies increasingly scout younger, but research suggests identifying elite players before age 11-12 is unreliable due to developmental variance.

Most academies recruit from age 8-9 for foundation phase, with increased recruitment at U12-U14 for youth development phase. Later recruitment (U16-U18) targets players released by rivals or emerging late developers. Earlier recruitment (U6-U8) develops relationships but formal selection is unreliable before age 8.

Observe response to mistakes and setbacks during matches. Note coachability during training feedback. Assess motivation source: intrinsic (love of game) versus extrinsic (parental pressure). Watch behaviour when losing versus winning. Speak with teachers about school behaviour and academic effort. Character reveals itself through adversity response.

Balance both. Local recruitment builds community connection, reduces costs, and eases family logistics. Wider recruitment accesses larger talent pools but increases dropout rates due to distance. Elite academies recruit nationally for exceptional talent whilst maintaining strong local presence. Geography alone never justifies compromising standards.

Recruit for quality over quantity. Smaller groups (12-16 players per age group) enable better coaching ratios but may lack competitive depth. Larger groups (20-24 players) create competition but risk warehousing talent. Consider retention rates, coaching capacity, and first-team pathway capacity when setting numbers.

Elite academies retain 60-70% of players from U9 through U16, then reduce to first-team potential players. Low retention (under 50%) suggests poor recruitment or development. Very high retention (over 90%) may indicate insufficient competitiveness or reluctance to make difficult decisions. Balance development opportunity with realistic assessment.

Watch matches against higher-level opposition in cup competitions. Assess technical quality, decision-making speed, and physical attributes. Does the player dominate through superior ability or physical advantages at current level? Technical quality and intelligence translate upward; physical dominance alone often does not.

Statistics provide starting points but require context. Dominant numbers at lower levels may reflect poor opposition rather than elite ability. Use data to identify candidates, then assess through video and live scouting whether quality translates. Cup matches against better opponents reveal step-up potential better than league statistics.

Depends on objectives. Players aged 24-27 offer immediate impact with modest development potential. Players over 28 provide short-term solutions but limited resale value. Younger players (21-24) balance development with contribution. Age alone does not disqualify players, but affects risk-reward calculation and contract length.

Late physical development, personal circumstances, injuries disrupting development, lack of exposure, poor agents, attitude issues, or genuine ceiling matching current level. Investigate why players remain lower: undervalued gems have circumstantial reasons; career lower-league players have ability ceilings. Understanding the reason reveals likelihood of successful step-up.

Strikers scoring prolifically in lower leagues face biggest step-up challenge. Finishing ability translates better than target play or hold-up. Check xG data: outperforming xG suggests elite finishing translating upward. Physical strikers dominating weaker defenders often struggle at higher levels. Technical finishers with intelligent movement succeed more consistently stepping up.

Compare league intensity, physicality, and tactical sophistication. Watch players against international opposition or in European competitions. Assess physical attributes: can they handle increased pace and intensity? Technical quality generally translates; physical dominance often does not. Understand league differences: Spanish technical players versus English physical players require different adaptations.

Requirements vary by country. UK requires Governing Body Endorsement based on international appearances, league quality, and club stature. EU players have different rules. Check specific regulations for your country before recruiting. Work permit failure after transfer agreement is expensive. Verify eligibility early in recruitment process.

Use official documentation from recognised authorities. FIFA TMS (Transfer Matching System) provides verified records. Be cautious in markets where age fraud occurs (some African and South American countries). Request birth certificates, passports, and education records. Use bone density testing if serious doubts exist. Reputable agents reduce risk.

Scandinavian leagues develop talent selling below Premier League prices. Portuguese and Dutch leagues produce technically strong players. Belgian league offers value. South American leagues have raw talent but adaptation challenges. Eastern European leagues provide physical players. However, value depends on your league, budget, and specific needs. No universal answer exists.

Very important for integration speed and success. Players speaking the local language or English adapt faster. However, talent and professionalism matter more than immediate language ability. Assess willingness to learn and previous adaptability. Provide language support and cultural integration assistance. Many successful internationals arrived speaking little English but adapted through effort.