After scouting Viktor Kovalenko videos after his signing with Atalanta; I realized I enjoyed the aspect of scouting and analyzing player traits – I now envision it becoming a more permanent part of the blog. With a club that goes through as much turnover as Atalanta, prime scouting is an enormous component of its recent success – and finding hidden gems in places scouts wouldn’t normally look will continue to determine La Dea’s success. Of course my two-bit analysis shouldn’t be construed as thorough advice, I felt it would help me connect more with the team, its philosophy, and bring another aspect of football watching for me to enjoy.
Some ground rules I’m laying out for myself:
- I will only scout players that would fit in the current Atalanta set-up. No statue-esque centerbacks, defense first wingbacks, or short midfielders
- Players must be under the age of 26
- Given Italy’s strict non-EU rules, I’m limiting my search to players with EU citizenship (foreigners with an EU passport are permitted like Rafael Toloi)
- Players will be valued at less than $20M euros on transfermarkt. No scouting Erling Haaland saying he’d be a great signing for La Dea (roll-eyes)
- Given the limited streaming options I have at my disposal, I’m constricted to scouting players in Serie A, Bundesliga, Eredivisie, Europa League, and the Champion’s League
Suggestions are always welcome on players you would like to see featured, as I’m always up for opinions from the football universe. I really hope you lot enjoy this series as much as I enjoy preparing it. And hey who knows, maybe I get to luckily say I first scouted a player that La Dea eventually signed! Happy reading!
