Learn the fundamentals of football scouting. Understand what to look for in players, how to assess potential, conduct trials, and identify talent at every level from grassroots to professional.
Key Principles
1Assess potential, not just current ability
2Technique and mentality matter more than physical attributes
3Watch players multiple times in different contexts
4Consider coachability and personality
5Data informs scouting but doesn't replace observation
Questions You Can Ask
“What do scouts look for in players?”
“How do I scout football players?”
“What makes a player stand out to scouts?”
“How do I run player trials?”
“What attributes do professional scouts prioritise?”
Technical ability, decision-making, athleticism, coachability, and personality. Scouts assess potential, not just current performance. A player who listens, works hard, and shows football intelligence often develops better than a naturally gifted but uncoachable player.
How many times should I watch a player before deciding?
At least 3-4 times in different contexts (matches, training, under pressure, winning and losing). One great performance doesn't make a player; consistency and response to adversity reveal character and ability.
What is the biggest mistake in scouting?
Prioritising physicality over technique and mentality, especially at youth level. Physical attributes change (late developers catch up), but technique and decision-making are harder to teach. Scout for potential, not just current dominance.
How do I run effective player trials?
Create realistic game situations, not just fitness tests. Assess decision-making, technical ability under pressure, and how players interact with teammates. Watch how they respond to coaching and setbacks. Trials reveal character as much as ability.
Can data replace scouting?
No. Data highlights players worth watching, but human observation assesses intangibles like mentality, coachability, and fit. The best scouting combines data with experienced eyes. Use data to inform decisions, not make them.