Scouting in football
When it comes to football scouting, there are four main principles to discuss;
What is a football scout?
Why are football scouts an important part of a football club?
What do football scouts look for in players?
Which are the two different types of scouts?
To start with, the role of football scouts is now far more crucial than ever as clubs look to get a head start on their rivals. The question is "what is a football scout's job?". First of all, there are two types of scouts: the talent scout and the tactical scout. The talent scout's job is to attend matches that aim to spot potential players for signing up for their club.
It is essential to understand that each player has relative strengths and weaknesses in his or her position. A players' suitability to scouts will be determined by what the scout is particularly looking for in that position. Suitable players are determined by the philosophy set at that particular time by the club and team needs.
The largest clubs have scout networks around the globe, with a great deal of focus on signing up talent at a young age. Portuguese giants Porto, are skilled in recruiting talent cheaply from around the world, before selling to a massive profit a few years later after the player has established themselves. Such scouts are crucial because clubs are continually seeking to improve their squads. Those who are capable of searching for untapped talent can make a club even a million if that player ultimately helps his new employers succeed in the field or sells his original price on several occasions. On the other hand, a scout in the football industry must not only be an excellent judge but must also be a skilled salesman that can sign up the best talent before other scouts do.
Scouting is now more critical than ever with football globalization and the enormous financial benefits that result, prize money, television income, sponsorship, and player sales, of course, player's sales. For example, all 20 Premier League clubs in the UK are expanding global recruitment networks to discover hidden gems, sifting through thousands of footballer's intent on playing in the world's wealthiest club competition.
In addition to the above, we have the tactical scout's job which is to watch football matches from other clubs and develop a knowledge base that a busy club manager wouldn't be able to get on his own. These scouts will evaluate the other team's tactics, play patterns, and players who might pose a problem for his team when the two clubs meet. Often managers will do their homework on upcoming opposition because they seek information that will help them achieve a positive outcome. Therefore the correct information that a tactical scout provides for a particular opponent is vital for the preparation of the corresponding game. Scouts travel to cities and towns regularly, both large and small, and spend many hours reviewing footage, statistics and interviewing coaches and players.
All in all, even at clubs lower down the league table, star players are ones that exhibit pride pulling on their club strip and stepping out onto the pitch as a united team, giving their all whatever the conditions. Always have in mind that you never know who is watching you playing football even at school, grassroots football or amateurs leagues. Give your best, and your chance will come.
What is your opinion on talent identification? Are scouts a vital part of football and unearthing the next generation of superstars, or does talent ID not work?