Beyond the Goals: What Football Scouts Really Look For (A Watford FC CSE Insight)

Every young footballer dreams of being spotted. They imagine a scout, notebook in hand, watching from the sidelines as they score a screamer or pull off a perfect tackle. But what exactly is that scout looking for? Is it just about goals, skills, or raw talent?

The truth is, getting scouted is about far more than what happens in a single moment. It's about a complete package of skills, character, and potential. I've had the privilege of working closely with the Watford FC CSE in the search for new talent recently, and I'm going to share the multi-faceted insights as to what I was looking for in my trial sessions.

1. The Technical Foundation

Yes, skill is crucial. Scouts want to see mastery of the basics, even under pressure. This isn't just a fancy trick; it’s a clean first touch, a precise pass, and the ability to control the ball in tight spaces. Can you handle the ball with both feet? Do you make good decisions quickly with the ball at your feet? These are the non-negotiables.

2. 1v1s

The next thing that is crucial is success outcomes in 1v1 situations, both attackingly and defensively. If you cannot get success in 1v1s, you're going to really struggle progressing- and that’s at any level. Find ways at which you can get advantages in 1v1s, for example if you're a player that has lots of pace, utilise this as much as you can on and off the ball.

3. 2v2 and 3v2s

This transitions us nicely in to the next area, how well you work with teammates in small-sided games. Being able to communicate, coordinate and cooperate with teammates is essential in football.

I matched players up with different players to see a) their reaction to who they were with, b) how they adapted their gameplay to suit different teammates/opponents. The players that gave no reaction and wanted to just play straight away already ticked a box for me, it shows good leadership, accountability and confidence in their own performance.

4. Tactical Intelligence

A player can have all the skill in the world, but if they don't have a football brain, they won't make it. Scouts look for players who understand the game. This means:

• Awareness: Are you constantly scanning the pitch and using this information to make decisions. Don’t just scan for the sake of it! Coaches will know when a player is scanning and planning ahead.

• Positioning: Do you know where to be, both on and off the ball?

• Decision-Making: Do you choose the right pass, or know when to run with the ball?

5. Physical Attributes & Potential

While a player’s current physical state is important, scouts are often more interested in their potential. We'll look at things like speed, agility, strength and stamina. For younger players, they also consider growth potential. We're not just looking for the biggest or fastest player right now; they’re looking for someone who, with the right training and mentality, can develop into a top-level professional.

6. The Mental Edge: Character & Attitude

This is often the defining factor that separates good players from future pros. Scouts are looking for character traits that predict success:

• Resilience: How do you react to a mistake? Do you sulk or do you keep playing?

• Work Ethic: Are you putting in the extra effort, on and off the pitch?

• Coachability: Do you listen to instructions and apply feedback?

• Leadership: Do you encourage your teammates and take responsibility?

 7. Kit & Presentability

My final tip is to do with appearance, do you take pride in how you present yourself? Coaches including myself will look at whether your kit and boots are clean first of all as this can say a lot about the individual.

This does not mean being pretentious about your appearance, but taking pride in how you represent yourself and the club/people around you.

Summary

A player who has all the talent in the world but lacks the discipline and mental toughness to succeed will be quickly passed over. The Watford FC CSE team, in particular, looks for players with a strong desire to learn and improve—players who are hungry for more.

Getting spotted is not about luck; it's about preparation. It's about consistently developing all aspects of your game, not just the flashy ones. If you want to get noticed, you must become the complete player—technically sound, tactically smart, physically prepared, and mentally tough.

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