Becoming a professional footballer is a dream shared by millions of fans.
But to turn this dream into reality, you need not only talent, but also capture attention recruiters.
They play a key role in discovering and promoting future talent.
But do you know exactly what they're looking for? In this article, we're going to tell you what they're looking for. 5 essential criteria that a recruiter analyses to assess a football player.
Summary
1. Technical skills
Technical skills are the foundation of any football player. Without a solid technical level, it is almost impossible to progress in a professional career.
Mastering the fundamentals
A recruiter will pay particular attention to your mastery of basic skills:
- Passes: Your ability to pass the ball quickly and accurately to your team-mates.
- Dribbling: Your ability to evade your opponents thanks to good ball control.
- Strikes: The precision and power of your shots, whether you're scoring or clearing the ball.
Performance analysis during matches
Recruiters do not limit themselves to simply observing these skills during training sessions.
They want to see how you apply them in real situation. So the statistics from your games (such as the number of assists or goals) and your key actions (a decisive tackle, a spectacular breakthrough) allow them to assess your overall contribution to the team.
2. Physical condition
Modern football requires impeccable physical condition.
Speed, stamina and power are just some of the attributes that make a player stand out in the eyes of recruiters.
Endurance, speed and power
Recruiters evaluate:
- Your stamina: Are you able to maintain your rhythm for a full match?
- Your speed: How fast can you sprint to catch up with an opponent or attack?
- Your power: Do you have the strength to stand up to physical duels?
The importance of physical tests
Many clubs organise specific tests to assess these criteria:
- Interval running tests (Yo-Yo test) to measure your endurance.
- Sprint evaluations to test your speed over different distances.
- Strength tests to analyse your muscular power.
3. Tactical intelligence
Being fast and technical isn't enough if you don't understand the game. Recruiters pay particular attention to your ability to think fast and to you adapt to situations.
Reading the game and decision-making
A good player anticipates actions before they even happen. Recruiters will analyse:
- Your ability to read movements in the field.
- Your ability to make intelligent decisions under pressure, such as choosing between a short pass or a long opening.
Understanding tactical schemes
Each team has its own system of play. Can you:
- Quickly assimilate the coach's tactical instructions?
- Playing in different systems (like 4-4-2 or 3-5-2)?
Your adaptability to different schemes is an invaluable quality for any player.
4. Mental strength
Raw talent is not enough to reach the elite. The mental strength is what enables the best players to overcome challenges and succeed under pressure.
Stress and pressure management
A recruiter will want to know:
- How do you handle high-pressure situations, such as penalty shoot-outs or decisive matches?
- Do you know how to react correctly after a mistake or failure?
Leadership and team spirit
Are you able to unite your teammates and show leadership? Even if you're not a captain, recruiters value:
- Your ability to encourage your team-mates.
Your team spirit and the way you work together in the field.
5. Personality and attitude
Finally, your attitude off the pitch is just as important as your performance on it. Recruiters are interested in your personality, because it influences your progress and your integration into a team.
Respect for rules and others
A player who respects the rules, his team-mates and his opponents is more likely to attract attention:
- Are you disciplined during matches?
- Do you show respect for your coaches and referees?
Negative behaviour, such as insolence or unjustified aggression, can damage your reputation.
Motivation, discipline and commitment
Recruiters also favour players who:
- Show a strong motivation to progress.
- Visit one-off and regular in their commitment.
- Fully committed in their development, whether through advanced training or a suitable diet.
Conclusion
Standing out from the thousands of aspiring professionals requires much more than talent.
By developing your technical skills, strengthening your physical condition, cultivating your tactical intelligence, honing your mental skills and adopting an impeccable attitude, you considerably increase your chances of being spotted.
So, what will be your first step in working on these criteria?
What do you need to focus on to achieve your goals?
Start developing these key qualities today and get ready to shine in front of recruiters!