AdminModern football recruitment is becoming increasingly reliant on data, but numbers alone are not enough to determine whether a player is the right fit for a club.
Nils Koppen has explained how data can help clubs identify potential targets efficiently before scouts take a closer look at their performances, characteristics and personalities.
“I like to use data to identify players, just to be efficient, then filter them down, and watch them on video. I would not say, based on numbers, I’d make a decision. Also personalities.”
The approach highlights how recruitment has evolved in recent years. Rather than relying solely on traditional scouting or statistical analysis, clubs are increasingly combining both methods to build a clearer picture of potential signings.
Data can quickly narrow down a huge pool of players by identifying those who meet specific technical or physical requirements. From there, recruitment teams can study footage and assess how those qualities translate to actual matches.
However, Koppen’s comments also underline the importance of looking beyond statistics. A player’s mentality, character and ability to adapt to a new environment can be just as important as their numbers.
For clubs looking to make smarter investments in the transfer market, combining data with traditional scouting and personality assessments could provide a more complete picture before making a final decision.
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