What do football scouts look for?

Many of the top academies and elite clubs have scouts who scour the market for players with the potential to make it to the top. In doing so, they not only look at who scores the most goals or intercepts the most balls, but also assess other general aspects in addition to the players' positional characteristics, which we are going to present to you today. 

Physical ability is one of the first things to be taken into account, depending on the age and position of the player. This is how the effort and ability of the players is assessed. If you are not fit, it will be difficult to be noticed.

Next is tactics, or the ability to understand the game, i.e. how to position yourself on the pitch, whether to follow the coach's plans and when to take up a position. Here it is useful to cover an unmarked teammate or move into an open position. This will show that you have a good understanding of the game. 

Scouts also look at the player's commitment to the team, whether he plays for himself or whether he really understands that he has to help a team-mate with a support or clearance, even if it is to the detriment of his own ability. Another very important point is team spirit. 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, mental toughness. The ability to keep trying when you fail, the ability to withstand the pressure of the game, the ability to have that inner strength in every action. Running back for a ball you've just missed or trying to dribble when it's not your day shows that you have the perfect attitude and are ready for the challenges. 

Por supuesto estos son aspectos muy generales que tienen muy bien luego cada uno tiene más desarrollo como la toma de decisiones y más métricas que se miran mas adelante. No obstante con estas cuatro cosas estoy seguro que mejorareis en general ese dia que tengas al ojeador delante. 

Of course, these are very general aspects, but then each of them is more developed, such as decision making and metrics, which will be discussed below. However, with these four things, I am sure you will improve the day you have the Scout in front of you.