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.