11 Questions with Millwall Analytics

The pursuit of wisdom in any walk of life quickly reveals that what you think you know is not nearly enough to get you to where you want to go. As I'm starting out in my football scouting journey I challenged myself to reach out to those already working in various roles in football to answer a short list of questions. My goal wasn't to get answers but relevant perspectives on the game within the game.

Here is @MillwallAnalyt1

How did your first opportunity in football come about?

I’ve changed the question slightly to how I got involved/ what made me get into it) One day I can across Blades Analytics account ( I don’t know how but I did and I’m glad I did!). So from his account I started reading his tweets and a few of his blogs and I found them really interesting. So then I looked at other people that wrote about the same thing as it really interested me! Since then I spoke to people who work in football and was inspired so I thought I’d have a go myself and created Millwall Analytics!

What attracted you to scouting/analytics? What’s more intriguing now names or numbers?

I was always interested in how clubs signed players. Before I was interested in numbers I’d go off names and how I’ve seen them play live previously. So knowing that you can use numbers to find undervalued/hidden talent really gripped me! So now I believe numbers to be more important than names.

Who/what is the first player/concept you "found"? What caught your eye?

After speaking to people who are analysts and work in football, their advice was to just play around, look and understand data. So I was learning metrics and what they tell and I remember @sbunching on Twitter  (can’t remember if that’s his handle!) mention that the French 2nd league had some great talent who could play at a good level. The 1st player I remember looking at data and following up with video scouting was Amine Bassi, who I thought was technically very good but didn’t think he would fit Millwall. There was also a couple more who actually got moved to the first division in the summer.

Do you see player development as more of an art or a science? Is development on the club or the player? Why?

Great question that! I think development is both on the club and the player but if I had to choose, I’d say the club. I believe the player has to work hard and make sure he’s doing the extra 1% outside of the club and making sacrifices to gain an advantage on other players. But then I think that the club is vital in development. If the player is good enough the club needs to realise this and give him game time and make sure he gets minutes in senior football which will allow him to develop. 

What is your favorite sports moment? Why?

Tough one! There’s been a few! You can’t ignore what Ben Stokes did in the summer, can you? In the World Cup final and then he follows it up in a test game weeks after. The cricket World Cup win was a great day! He showed great qualities that day; perseverance, leadership, bravery (in hitting the sixes which could have got him out) and to be calm in big moments. I see that as a great quality to have!

What coach/player/team inspires you? Why?

Another great question! I love Pep and Klopp. Pep’s style of football is what I like to see and how I would want my teams to play but Klopp’s man management skills are unreal and he’s style of play is also entertaining. I also rate Nagelsmann at Leipzig who I think will be a top top manager. 

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into media/analytics?

My advice would be to first of all set up an account on Twitter and speak to people. You learn so much from reading people’s tweets and blogs and you can receive some good advice! Also, publishing your own work is also important not just for people to see but so people can help you improve. And don’t be afraid to ask people questions!

What is your favorite app/tool to use (for work or fun)?

Wyscout is what I use as I can look at the data and video scout as well but I know it can be a financial issue for some but Whoscored is also great to use. But make sure you read the definitions and understand what they mean on each site before blurting them out on Twitter!

What other sport/hobby/discipline do you feel improves your work as an analyst? Why?

Playing football manager has helped me! Understanding tactics and patterns of plays are important in football, so Football Manager has helped me. Even just watching lots of football on tv helps me as an analyst as I can see what teams are doing on/off the ball or specifically watch a player! Watching football (a lot) will really help!