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.
I never thought this project would progress this far so quickly. There are 114 interviews to date, I hope they have been insightful and they encourage you to enjoy this crazy game we all love and make it better via innovation, data and boldness.
I figure it was time to answer the set as I've gotten so much joy and insight from the responses of others further along the path than myself.
Thank you to everyone who's participated!
Here we go:
How did your first opportunity in football come about?
Wow. So The Offside had a network of team blogs back in 2011-2012. Somehow I applied to be the Ligue 1 blogger for Lille(they were domestic champions in 2010-2011). I loved it! I actually starting writing freestyles for players like Gervinho, and Eden Hazard. I've always watched Serie A so I did the same for some of the figures in the Italian league at the time. See below.
What attracted you to scouting/analytics? What’s more intriguing now names or numbers?
Short answer: Billy Beane. I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona in the USA, the spring training home of the Oakland A's. I was fan before the movie Moneyball came out. I had a hunch the movie would be good so I read the book first. I love underdogs mostly because I've always considered myself one. Scouting + analytics = edge. Sports has and always be about gaining an edge.
I'm more intrigued by names but names are vessels for stories and data. You can't truly separate the two. For every Jamie Vardy or N'golo Kante ("diamonds in the rough")you have a Neymar or Raheem Sterling ("wonderkids").
Short answer: Billy Beane. I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona in the USA, the spring training home of the Oakland A's. I was fan before the movie Moneyball came out. I had a hunch the movie would be good so I read the book first. I love underdogs mostly because I've always considered myself one. Scouting + analytics = edge. Sports has and always be about gaining an edge.
I'm more intrigued by names but names are vessels for stories and data. You can't truly separate the two. For every Jamie Vardy or N'golo Kante ("diamonds in the rough")you have a Neymar or Raheem Sterling ("wonderkids").
What player or concept you fascinates you? What caught your eye?
I'll do one of each... One player that fascinates me is Sergio Ramos. He most likely is an all-time great but has there been a better villain? Statistically, historically and anecdotally(if that's a word) he's a must watch for me if Real Madrid.
Concept... EVERYTHING 21st Club, MrktInsights and Statsbomb put out on recruitment and squad planning. I literally have 100+ articles of theirs that I've read and emailed to myself for safekeeping for future case studies.
I'll do one of each... One player that fascinates me is Sergio Ramos. He most likely is an all-time great but has there been a better villain? Statistically, historically and anecdotally(if that's a word) he's a must watch for me if Real Madrid.
Concept... EVERYTHING 21st Club, MrktInsights and Statsbomb put out on recruitment and squad planning. I literally have 100+ articles of theirs that I've read and emailed to myself for safekeeping for future case studies.
What is the biggest misconception you’ve found in this space?
The concept of beautiful football. It's different depending on what's at stake. AC Horsens in Denmark staving off relegation is beautiful. Burnley staying up is beautiful football. Liverpool, BVB and yes, Barcelona play beautiful football. Greece winning Euro 2004 is just as beautiful.
The concept of beautiful football. It's different depending on what's at stake. AC Horsens in Denmark staving off relegation is beautiful. Burnley staying up is beautiful football. Liverpool, BVB and yes, Barcelona play beautiful football. Greece winning Euro 2004 is just as beautiful.
If you could start over what skill would you build on first?
I'm just starting out but honestly it's one thing: be bold. Skills become relative at a certain point. Success usually boils down to your desire to stare down pain (rejection, anonymity, failure, etc.) and run straight towards it. I started this project because I didn't want to look back 5 years from now and wish I would have done it. If not now, then when?
I'm just starting out but honestly it's one thing: be bold. Skills become relative at a certain point. Success usually boils down to your desire to stare down pain (rejection, anonymity, failure, etc.) and run straight towards it. I started this project because I didn't want to look back 5 years from now and wish I would have done it. If not now, then when?
What is more important domain knowledge or curiosity?
Curiosity. Domain knowledge comes with time but to a degree has certain gatekeepers. Curiosity is self perpetuating and fuels contentment in any walk of life. You do need both to make a lasting impact over time.
What is your favorite sports moment? Why?
I have many moments that I cherish but I think my favourite is yet to come. For now I will go with Kawhi Leonard's buzzer beating shot last year in the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA. Kha-WOW.
What coach/player/team inspires you? Why?
Let's do one of each.
Coach = For variety I'll stay away from the popular responses. Bo Henriksen at AC Horsens in Denmark. Uses what he has and seems like his players love him. Silver - Peter Bosz. Bronze - Marco Giampaolo
Player = I am card carrying member of the Sergio Busquets fan club. That being said the one player who I would give a lifetime contract would be Fabio Quagliarella. Wonderful goal scorer, late bloomer and a consummate professional. The goal he scored in the 2010 WC against Slovakia....😤
via GIPHY
via GIPHY
via GIPHY
Team - The Ajax team that beat Real Madrid in the Champions League recently. Inspirational.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into this space?
Go for it. Football analytics is not a spectator sport. Be bold.
Go for it. Football analytics is not a spectator sport. Be bold.
Who is your favorite athlete? Why?
I have a lot. The player I'll respond with for this question though is Sergio Busquets. He's just contextually filthy. You know what he can do and he still does it to you.
I have a lot. The player I'll respond with for this question though is Sergio Busquets. He's just contextually filthy. You know what he can do and he still does it to you.
What is your favorite quote or saying?
Fac aut tace.
Do or be silent.
Fac aut tace.
Do or be silent.
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