A recent study surveying 19 professional clubs sheds light on how performance analysis (PA) and data tools are reshaping football recruitment.
Scouting isn’t just instinct and contacts anymore. It’s now a blend of analytics, video, and character assessment. The study—published in Science and Medicine in Football—maps out a framework that’s already influencing how smart clubs do business.
Video Scouting Is Now the Starting Point
Clubs are building initial watchlists using video platforms and scouting software.It’s cheaper than flying to tournaments. Faster than relying on agents. And far more flexible when aligning with specific playing styles.
That’s where tools like Eyeball’s football analysis software shine: remote, contextual, tactical. With nothing lost in translation.
Data Surfaces Talent—Judgment Confirms It
68% of clubs in the study say performance metrics help surface overlooked or undervalued players.But the best recruiters still trust their eyes. Data sharpens judgment—it doesn’t replace it.
That balance is critical in academy scouting and youth soccer recruiting, where potential isn’t always obvious in the numbers.
Profiling Brings Clarity to Chaos
Positional profiling helps scouts see beyond the highlight reel.By quantifying strengths and weaknesses against normative benchmarks, clubs can match players to specific tactical roles—rather than general talent.
Interestingly, the study found that less experienced scouts were more likely to rely heavily on profiling—possibly due to academic exposure to football analysis software during their training.
Due Diligence Goes Deeper Than Stats
Even with great data, top clubs know that personality matters.Recruiters reach out to former coaches and teammates to understand character, adaptability, and team fit. It’s essential for reducing risk—especially when scouting from afar.
For clubs with limited budgets, this phase is often overlooked—but it’s where good signings become great ones.
A Four-Step Blueprint for Smarter Scouting
The study proposes a four-phase framework that mirrors how progressive clubs already operate:
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Video & Data: Build a broad, position-specific watchlist
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Talent ID: Use external datasets and performance metrics to narrow the pool
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Profiling: Assess tactical fit using objective comparisons
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Due Diligence: Evaluate personality, professionalism, and cultural fit
This is recruitment with structure—evidence-based, multidisciplinary, and scalable.
What’s Around the Corner?
Expect more AI, more biomechanics, and deeper integration across departments.From body pose estimation to tracking data, the next wave of AI soccer analysis platforms will enable even more granular evaluation—without slowing down workflows.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is replacing siloed scouting departments. Clubs are building hybrid teams to scout smarter.
Why Eyeball Was Built for This
Eyeball is already aligned with where recruitment is heading. Used by federations, clubs, and international youth football scouting programs, Eyeball gives you the tools to identify, track, and recruit with confidence.
Book a free demo here: https://www.eyeball.club/scouts/