When trying to get signed by a professional soccer club, players should share performance data that provides a clear and compelling picture of their abilities, consistency, and potential. This article outlines what should be included:
My experience has been that young players (and parents) believe that posting compelling highlights videos on social media will be enough to get players noticed by professional club scouts.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Online Platforms such as Wyscout and InStat can provide professional clubs with comprehensive stats and video highlights of players from all professional leagues throughout the world and specifically hire technical video scouts to study these platforms and find players that they may not be aware of.
Learn more about Wyscout here
So how can youth players not playing in professional leagues get noticed? Players can start by collecting as many full match videos as possible. From that data, we can have our performance analyst provide a statistical report that can be shared by potential clubs.
In addition, SMART performance trackers like Target Football Shin pads can be work during training and games to track the type of performance data that is important for professional clubs to accurately assess players.
Here is a summary list of the type of performance data and other information that professional clubs in Europe will require in order to start tracking youth players not currently playing in the top youth leagues in Europe or within other professional leagues:
1. Physical Performance Data
Speed: Sprint times over distances like 10m, 20m, and 40m.
Endurance: Metrics like VO2 max or results from fitness tests (e.g., beep test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test).
Agility: Performance on agility tests like the T-test or 5-10-5 shuttle.
Strength: Data on vertical jump height, bench press, or other strength measures.
Injury History: If relevant, include recovery metrics and current injury-free status.
2. Technical Skills Data
Passing Accuracy: Completion percentage under pressure and over various distances.
Shooting Accuracy: Number of shots on target versus total shots.
Dribbling Success Rate: One-on-one situations or dribble completion metrics.
Ball Recovery: Interceptions, tackles, and possession retention rates.
3. Tactical Performance Data
Position-Specific Metrics: For example:
Defenders: Clearances, blocks, and aerial duels won.
Midfielders: Key passes, chances created, and box-to-box coverage.
Forwards: Goals per 90 minutes, xG (expected goals), and off-ball runs.
Heat Maps: Positional heat maps to show involvement and work rate during matches.
Game IQ: Passes per phase of play or involvement in goal build-ups.
4. Game Statistics
Match Impact: Goals, assists, and contribution to scoring opportunities.
Consistency: Averages over several games or seasons.
Versatility: Performance in multiple positions if applicable.
5. Video Highlights
Clips that showcase key skills (e.g., goals, assists, defensive plays).
Include full-match footage to demonstrate decision-making and off-ball actions.
6. Psychological and Character Traits
Mental Resilience: Evidence of composure under pressure.
Leadership: Examples of taking charge during games or captaincy roles.
Coachability: Testimonials or feedback from previous coaches.
7. Contextual Information
Level of Competition: Provide the league or tournament details (e.g., semi-pro, youth academy, regional competition).
Stats Comparison: Where possible, compare your data to league averages or standout players in the same role.
Personal Profile: Include height, weight, dominant foot, and playing position(s).
8. References or Scouting Reports
Letters or evaluations from reputable coaches or scouts.
Performance reviews from trials or showcases.
By providing this data in a concise and professional format—such as a player CV with attached reports and highlight videos—you maximize your chances of catching a professional club’s attention.
If you require assistance with generating match statistics from your full-game footage, tracking your performance data in training and games and building your playing CV then get in touch.