11 Questions with @PannasandNutmegs

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 @PannasNutmegs, cofounder of @insightMrkt

How did your first opportunity in football come about?

My first opportunity in football came as a result of the work I was putting out on Twitter. Myself and Ram Srinivas got talking and decided to put out a blog together looking at analysis of Championship defenders. This prompted discussions with other like minded individuals on the platform, and we decided to get together to produce an article on how we'd run the recruitment at a Championship club. Fortunately Swansea liked the idea, got us on board and MRKT Insights was born. 

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

I have worked with numbers and analytics in my day job so it was something I had an interest in before getting more involved. I think what really attracted me to it was validating what I saw with my eyes during a game against the numbers recorded. For example, if I thought a player moved the ball forwards really well I could instantly validate this against the numbers when I finished up watching a game. Outside of recruitment purposes, for me the numbers are a means to finding enjoyable footballers or teams to watch.

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

I don't think that I can claim to have invented or found a concept as it were, all ideas are built off the foundations of the work done by others. I suppose one thing that may interest those reading this is an article I wrote on Van Dijk and his performances when paired with various centre half partners. 

In terms of first players found, to find out get in touch with MRKT Insights. 

That aside, I am really keen on Bosko Sutalo who recently got a move to Atalanta in January and will be keeping an eye on his development there. Fingers crossed this won't come back to haunt me. 

Who/what is the player/concept you "missed" on? What did you learn from it?

I've only been doing this for a short time so there aren't any glaringly obvious players that I have missed thus far as there has not been enough time to see them progress in their careers. The concept that I think is missed or underestimated is the application of data in recruitment, it is easy to use data to say player X is good, it is another thing to find a player that fits the tactical system, falls within budget and is available. 

If you could start over what skill would you build on first?

This might not be the most original answer but coding is particularly useful. 

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

It is a mixture of the two, a player's training development needs can be periodised and analysed, this can fall under the umbrella of a science. However, there is also a need to connect with a player on a human level in order to understand what makes them tick and this I feel is more of an art. Like anything in football it is not an either or, but rather a marriage of two schools of thought that will bring about the best results. 

What is your favorite sports moment? Why?

The Liverpool vs Milan Champions League final sticks in my mind as one of the best games of football I have seen. My brain wasn't able to process what I was seeing! To do that on the grandest stage of club football was something we're not likely to see again anytime soon.

What coach/player/team inspires you? Why?

I have always loved the Barcelona side that Pep managed, their ability to totally dominate games was incredible.There were players that were a joy to watch throughout that team, so many moments of skill on show each week and then Messi to top it off. 

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

Go for it! Throw yourself into it and immerse yourself in what you do. If you enjoy it then you have a far better chance of succeeding as you'll be willing to put in the hours to progress. Don't be too proud to ask people for advice, no one knows everything. 

Above all else though, watch football and lots of it! 

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

I am lucky enough to have access to Wyscout and Instat and they provide me with endless hours of football to view. 

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

My day job definitely helped, being used to thinking in an analytical manner with numbers meant that I could transition it to football.