Precision Play: Why Mechanics Matter
This essay argues that mechanics is the single most important predictor of skill transfer between footballing environments – and suggests a roadmap to understanding it.
How to Classify Running Capacity among Elite Players
And why those who can run and carry aggression into subsequent duels are in high-demand.
There Are No Superstars Left, Only Entertainers
and it's obscuring the beautiful game.
Projections: Mali U-17's Sékou Koné
Mali U-17's Sekou Kone has joined Manchester United from Guidars FC. The writer discusses their 9-month old projection on the starlet who, at that time, took the U-17 World Cup by storm.
Profiling Dominic Solanke with Ange Postecoglou
This essay infers scouting and recruitment principles from Ange Postecoglou's comments on new signing Dominic Solanke.
Liverpool, Goals from Opposition Corners, and Arne Slot
Liverpool recently scored yet another goal from an opposition corner. What can we learn? Can other teams emulate?
Why Focusing on Strengths Leads to Better Scouting Outcomes
This essay argues that in both corporate recruitment and sports scouting, identifying and leveraging strengths is more important than flagging weaknesses.
A Case for Lisandro Martinez at Left-Back
I present a chain-of-thought argument supporting why Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez can and should be considered for the left-back position.
Precision Play: The Stiff Arm
This essay examines the stiff arm action and explains why it is a valuable tool for runners or carriers in open-field sports.
Post-reflective Take on Benfica's João Neves
A condensed version of my initial take and projection on Benfica's João Neves, using our guide reflection questions.
Reflection as a Scouting Optimizer
This essay adapts the Ignatian Pedagogy, a teaching philosophy developed by the Jesuits, to illustrate how scouts can use reflection to enhance their learning and improve their processes.
Outlets: Football's Pressure Valves
This essay examines qualities of outlets, introduces the concept of outlet value, suggests ways to spot (potential for) outlets, and attempts to establish a broader definition for this attribute of football players.