Professional clubs receive hundreds of scouting reports every month — but only a few stand out.
Why? Because many are vague, inconsistent, or lack structure. If a report doesn’t communicate useful football insight in a clear, consistent way, it’s likely to be ignored — even if the player is genuinely interesting.
This article outlines how to structure scouting reports that are not only professionally written, but useful for decision-makers across the recruitment chain. Whether you’re scouting for a first team, U23s, or long-term talent, the goal is the same: clarity, specificity, and football relevance.
1. Match Context
Every strong scouting report begins with context. Without it, the reader can’t interpret what the player actually showed.
Always include:
- Match watched: Teams, competition, and date
- Minutes played: Did the player start, get subbed off, or come on late?
- Position played: Be specific (e.g., left center-back in a back three)
- Team system: What kind of tactical environment did the player operate in?
- Game intensity: Was it transitional, slow, high-tempo, physical?
✅ Example: Watched 90 mins vs Jong AZ (Eerste Divisie, 04.02.2024). Played as right CM in a 4-3-3. Mid-to-high tempo match, frequent transitions.
This part doesn’t need to be long — just clearly presented. It sets the stage for everything that follows.
2. Performance Analysis: Clear, Role-Specific Observations
This is the heart of the report. But too often, scouts fall into vague descriptions like:
❌ “Good technique.”
❌ “Composed on the ball.”
❌ “Strong mentality.”
As Marco van der Heide, founder of 360 Scouting, puts it:
“If you understand the game, then step away from using general, subjective, multi-interpretable words. Use football action language instead: clear and specific.”
Real insight comes from football-specific observations:
✅ Times his runs in behind the defense very well.
✅ Progresses by dribbling into midfield at high tempo.
✅ Scans infrequently and isn’t always aware of surroundings.
Use this kind of language throughout your analysis.
A. In Possession
- First touch: Clean? Directional? Able to play forward?
- Passing: Tempo, variety, range, and decision-making
- Dribbling: Directional? 1v1 effectiveness? Space creation?
- Ball retention: Can he resist pressure and play forward?
- Final third: Can he create chances or threaten goal?
B. Out of Possession
- Defensive positioning: Compactness, body shape, distances
- 1v1 defending: Patience, timing, aggression
- Pressing: Angle, timing, structure awareness
- Aerial duels: Positioning, timing, decision-making
C. Transitions
- Defensive: Reaction time, sprinting to recover shape, pressing
- Attacking: Forward runs, support angles, ball progression
D. Mentality & Game Understanding
Stick to what’s observable:
- Demands the ball under pressure
- Remains tactically disciplined
- Adapts quickly to in-game changes
✅ Dropped deeper to support build-up when under pressure and directed teammates with clear instructions — strong leadership moments in second half.
3. Strengths and Areas to Improve
This section provides clarity for coaches, technical directors, and fellow scouts. It separates traits that could scale up a level from traits that may limit a player’s ceiling.
Avoid just repeating the performance points. Instead, zoom out and interpret:
- Which qualities stand out consistently and can translate to higher levels?
- What aspects might hold the player back — tactically, physically, or mentally?
- Is there a mismatch between talent and impact?
❌ “Good dribbler but needs to improve passing.”
✅ “Comfortable evading pressure with quick touches and direction changes, but struggles with decision-making after beating the first man — often slows down attacks rather than progressing.”
Be clear about repeatability. A strength shown once in isolation means little. A strength that shows up in multiple sequences and fits a player’s role profile is meaningful.
Also, avoid trying to balance every criticism with a compliment — this isn’t PR. Be accurate, not polite.
✅ “Struggled in aerial duels against physical opponents — lost 5 of 7. Lacks anticipation and timing when defending far-post crosses.”
4. Player Ratings: Scoring Current and Potential Levels
Almost every professional club uses a two-tiered player rating framework. Whether it’s:
- A–B–C–D
- 1 to 10
- Green / Yellow / Red
- Yes / Maybe / No
…the important thing is internal consistency.
Ratings should assess:
- Current Level – Is this player ready to compete for a spot at our level right now?
- Potential Level – What could this player become in 2–3 years with development?
These scores don’t replace the written analysis — they support filtering and prioritization. In databases or group discussions, they help recruiters sort large volumes of players efficiently.
✅ Current Level: C (Rotation player for mid-level Premier League side)
✅ Potential Level: A (Starter-level player for top-six team — if end product improves)
Avoid overly optimistic potential ratings just because a player is young. Projection must be based on indicators such as adaptability, scalability of traits, learning behavior, and execution under pressure — not just age or athleticism.
If your organization uses position-specific benchmarks (e.g., top-tier center-backs must dominate duels, initiate build-up, and defend high spaces), make sure your scores align with them.
5. Final Recommendation
This is the most actionable part of the report. Your conclusion should align with the club’s internal decision framework. At many clubs, that might include options such as:
- No follow-up – Player doesn’t meet the threshold
- Follow-up – Player warrants another viewing or a different context
- Priority Follow-Up – High-priority shortlist (immediate potential or key long-term target)
Don’t hedge or leave the reader guessing.
❌ “Could be something in the future — let’s monitor.”
✅ “Follow-up recommended. Dynamic left-footed CB with good line-breaking passing and strong body shape under pressure — monitor in a higher-tempo match against top-half team.”
✅ “No follow-up. Technically sound but lacks physical tools and doesn’t impact final third actions — would not suit our pressing style or wing profiles.”
When possible, frame the recommendation relative to your team’s game model or positional demands. This provides clarity on both fit and risk.
Conclusion: Specificity Drives Trust
Scouting reports are not just talent snapshots — they are communication tools. Clubs rely on them to make informed decisions quickly. That’s why vague praise, generic phrases, and unstructured notes reduce your impact as a scout.
To write better reports:
- Set clear match context
- Use role-specific categories
- Write in football-specific action language
- Be honest but constructive in strengths/weaknesses
- Score current and potential levels
- Conclude decisively and clearly
A report filled with football insight, not fluff, stands out. It shows that you understand the game, the level, and the player’s role. That’s what decision-makers need — and what separates a good scout from a great one.