EXTRACT: The Smarter Player

09 Sep EXTRACT: The Smarter Player

Below is an extract from another intriguing article on keepitonthedeck.com, looking at ‘The Smarter Player’. You can view the full and original article here, along with the rest of the blog’s interesting content.

Is he tall, strong, quick? Sound familiar? Common traits inquired about and sought-after in a footballer in some or arguably most parts of the World. An interesting recent discussion with an Irish based scout working on behalf of a well-known English Premier League Club club heightened our suspicions as to what the modern scout sees and is looking for in games within the UK and Ireland.

When asked how he goes about assessing a footballer the scout informed us that he will look for physical attributes first and foremost (Speed, height,etc.) he explained that he mostly watches the player off the ball to assess his positional sense, character and attitude. The priority given by the scout to evaluate physical attributes first and foremost has got us thinking. How many potential Xavi’s, Pirlo’s or Iniesta’s and so on are we overlooking in the UK and Ireland if some scouts are evaluating physical attributes first and foremost?

We recently interviewed Spanish director of football for Smartfootball and CE Futbol Salou Albert Vinas i Aliau and asked him what he felt the most important qualities for a footballer are. The answer (see video below) failed to give any reference to physical attributes.

A very interesting article again from the fantastic keepitonthedeck.com. View the full and original article here. Elsewhere you can look at our busy blog by clicking this.