Data Scouting… 📈📊✍🏼
Every time players in Africa hear that there is going to be a scouting tournament, attended by lots of European scouts and agents, it sends pure excitement through the air 😆🤸🏾♀️⚽️🌎.
But why? 🤷🏽♀️ I guess because there is a chance that they could be spotted and given an opportunity of a lifetime 😊. Little do they know what goes into bringing such a tournament to life; the numerous phone calls, meetings, expenses, discussions about security, long trips, logistics, fall outs, endorsements, the arguments over who gets what, the anti-climax after the tournament, etc 😅
When scouts and agents travel for such tournaments, there is a lot of hope and anticipation. However, many have made that expensive trip only to be left disappointed because they didn’t find the perfect fit for their wish list.. 😔
So what could simplify this process? Make it easier, cheaper and more productive?
….. Data scouting and analysis….. perhaps ?
But what is data scouting, how much is known about it, where does it fit into the talent identification world and how much do people in the industry trust it?
Well, I know a lot of the more established clubs have turned to data scouting, and aren’t interested in being presented with random player profiles, videos and transfermrkt links anymore. They prefer to use scouting applications such as Wyscout and Afriskaut or their own in-house platforms built by their own techies. In the past, I have been contacted by clubs in my network asking if I have access to certain African players that they have data scouted but have been unable to establish any contact with. Real cool huh? 😁🙌🏽…. and this is from the comfort of their offices.
The use of scouting platforms not only allow scouts access to data, but once they have shortlisted their favourites, they have access to game footage too. Once they have watched the footage and there is genuine interest, it then makes more sense to invest in a trip to watch the players in person, but with a good idea of what to expect.
In summary, I don’t see data scouting and traditional scouting as being mutually exclusive, and therefore I don’t see traditional scouting being replaced by data scouting. Instead, I think they complement each other.
Where are the data scouts/scientists in my network? 😊 What are your approaches and what would you say are the advantages of data scouting over traditional scouting? I’m interested in hearing your thoughts 💭
If you are a football agency, buying club, scout for a buying club or maybe a football player data collection enterprise, and you are interested in a demo of Afriskaut (the largest database of players in Africa) please register your interest by booking a demo via the link below and Iyebiye Faleye will take you through the app 👇🏾😊
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