5 football clubs which have the best scouting networks
We have all been there. Having requested a scout report, received it, trawled through player statistics and triple-checked the money’s available, you’ve launched a bid for your favourite world class individual. Now that you’ve attracted him to your mediocre, second-tier club, you realise that this is Football Manager, the game, and not reality by any means.Comparatively, the real world of football scouting requires a great deal of meticulous planning and strategy. Scouts will embrace the harsh winds engulfing a non-league match, compile an endless report until the early hours of the morning and present it to their superior, appearing fuzzy eyed and restless, all for minimal compensation.For clubs operating on a shoestring budget, a tight-knit scouting system is essential in bringing talent to the club and there are numerous different methods in place. Let us then take a look at a handful of sides across the continent who have utilised this paramount, yet undervalued, aspect of football most efficiently.
#1 Leicester City
Where better to start on this list than with this campaign’s biggest surprise package. Following their electric pulverising of Pellegrini’s men on Saturday, Leicester City are fast gaining the belief needed to win the Premier League title. Rewind to this point last year and it’s a laughable concept but, courtesy of their sharp scouting network, it’s one which has risen to fruition.
Ben Wrigglesworth, head of technical scouting for the Foxes, and head of recruitment Steve Walsh have formed the fulcrum of Leicester’s fine work in the transfer market and the pair have proven so successful that Arsenal have poached the former and are aiming to lure Walsh to the Emirates also. Between the two of them, they have helped the club land N’Golo Kanté, Riyad Mahrez and the prolific Jamie Vardy; three of the stand-out performers of this season, all signed for a total of £7 million.
The club, like many in the modern era, use an online programme to unveil new talent. ‘Wyscout’ is a computer system that enables them to analyse player strengths and weaknesses, as well as video footage. This process is carried out by Walsh and co. and any potential suitors are passed on to Ranieri, who can make the call whether or not to pursue further interest by deploying scouts to the sidelines.