11 Questions with NDK Sports

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 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 NDK Sports:

What is your first memory of football?

2002 World Cup final. 

What attracted you to data and scouting? What’s more intriguing now, refining your processes and acumen or 'discovering' players?

Might sound crazy but honestly Football Manager... As a kid I always enjoyed finding the best young players and building my team that way. Now I enjoy helping talented young players get better opportunities.

What is the biggest misconception/cliche regarding goalkeepers you’ve found in this space?

Most people don't understand goalkeeping as most people have never been goalkeepers! 

"You should never be beat at the near post" or 

"he has weak wrists" these are things that just aren't true. People think goalkeeping is just throwing yourself around but it's a complicated position and each season we see it become more complicated!

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

I'd start learning data science earlier. It's the future of football and if you can learn how to navigate both event and tracking data you'll be in a good place going forward.

What is more important domain knowledge or curiosity?

Curiosity definitely. You have to be excited to learn in football. Always be adding to your skills. Look at Klopp, he always wants to get better so what does he do he hires a throw in coach. That desire to get better comes from curiosity.

What is more useful in scouting players- breadth of skills or depth of talent? Why?

Having complementary skills is most important. You can't go the top by being good at one thing. You need a toolbox to pick from. 

What three (3) football icons would you want to have a meal with? Why?

Wenger 

Sir Alex

Maradona

The first two for the wisdom and Maradona because he'd be fun to talk to. 

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into this space?

Learn the process but not the conclusion. Learn from others how to do something but don't be afraid to have a different opinion. Football will always throw out different view points no matter how much data or video you watch we are never 100% certain.