There’s definitely gems to be found but I do think it’s a lot harder now. I also wonder how much clubs are embracing AI as it will definitely play a role in the future.
Data is a massive part of it at all levels. We often say follow the Brighton or Brentford model but the problem is we are not the only ones now as others can also see how good it can be.
I would imagine that most clubs use the same or similar data analytic tools so naturally come up similar targets.
The trick IMO is to cast a wider net with data but you’re still filtering with human judgement. Id imagine most systems allow for finding similar profile players using ML algorithms but then you’re only ever as good as your data quality and for young players particularly outside the highest level that’s pretty sparse. If we’re just buying a data product and running some basic searches I’d expect us to get the same as everyone else. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a data scouting course going around with example searches even.
I’m very data forward but the stats are so limited really that everyone is looking a two or three key metrics per player so I’m not sure how much texture is there to get different results even. And I suppose a lot of it comes from the profile a manager asks for and whether it can be interpreted.
One thing I thought worked well with Badlan was he was clearly ahead of his tim me on finding players with data but we always seemed to get decent human beings which must have been a human filter somewhere in the process.
our 3rd choice left back, we’ll be fine then
