Makis
Player Valuation: £2.5m
Scouting has changed dramatically over the past decade. Every top club knows about every good player and have access to clips and in-depth stats (stuff we punters don't get). To find a left-back who is under 24, has at least 50 senior starts and has a certain profile (key passes, interceptions, whatever) is just a few clicks away.
What they can't find from these tools as easily are intangible stuff. What's his attitude like? In general, towards his teammates, in adversity? Does he sulk or cheer others on? How does he react when he loses the ball, receives a bad tackle, miscontrols the ball? What does he look like in the warm-up? Does he look professional or only doing it because it's required? Plus of course while you can see what percentage of passes are good, to get the full picture you need to watch whole matches. Where, how and why does he give a poor pass?
After this we get to the stuff clubs like Brighton I believe do best: they spot players who are not as obviously good from stats but who they think can be improved and who fit their style. This is their moneyball and where the real difference can be made. One of the best signings like this that Everton has ever made was Arteta. Gifted, but not really making an impact anywhere. Sometimes player is pigeonholed into the wrong role. Spotting these requires skill.
What they can't find from these tools as easily are intangible stuff. What's his attitude like? In general, towards his teammates, in adversity? Does he sulk or cheer others on? How does he react when he loses the ball, receives a bad tackle, miscontrols the ball? What does he look like in the warm-up? Does he look professional or only doing it because it's required? Plus of course while you can see what percentage of passes are good, to get the full picture you need to watch whole matches. Where, how and why does he give a poor pass?
After this we get to the stuff clubs like Brighton I believe do best: they spot players who are not as obviously good from stats but who they think can be improved and who fit their style. This is their moneyball and where the real difference can be made. One of the best signings like this that Everton has ever made was Arteta. Gifted, but not really making an impact anywhere. Sometimes player is pigeonholed into the wrong role. Spotting these requires skill.