What Goalkeeper Scouts Look For & How to Stand Out

There’s a long list of attributes every top goalkeeper needs to possess. But what is it that scouts specifically look for? How does one goalkeeper stand out from the rest?

Why Are Some Goalkeepers Scouted but Not Others?

As a teenager, I trained alongside many goalkeepers at varying levels. Some played for clubs like Crystal Palace, Leyton Orient, and Colchester United. A few had even been on Premier League youth team books before being released. Others, like myself, had only ever played at local league level.

But it was often difficult to understand what separated one goalkeeper from another. I remember one boy widely regarded as one of the best keepers in our age group. Agile, nimble, and a fantastic shot-stopper, he seemed destined for greatness but only ever played at a modest Sunday league level.

Why was he overlooked while others were scouted?

I once discussed this with a football scout, and his response was enlightening:

“Maybe he was unlucky and didn’t get spotted. But also, think about what you were basing your assessment on—shot-stopping ability? Handling? That’s not everything. There’s probably something else the scouted goalkeepers had that you weren’t seeing in training drills, like their presence on the pitch or distribution skills.”

Over the years, it’s become clear to me that while there are general aspects of goalkeeping all coaches value, scouts and clubs often favour specific attributes. Many of these are hard to evaluate through repetitive training exercises and become more apparent in match situations.

The Basics: Foundation Skills Every Goalkeeper Needs

Before delving into specialist attributes, it’s important to remember that scouts expect keepers to meet certain baseline criteria. Without these, even the most impressive specialist skills won’t stand out:

• Shot-Stopping Ability: The bread and butter of any keeper’s skill set.
• Handling and Positioning: Secure hands and proper positioning are non-negotiable.
• Physical Attributes: Height, strength, and agility remain critical in modern football.
• Fitness: A goalkeeper must maintain peak physical condition to perform consistently.

While these traits are essential, they won’t necessarily differentiate you from other keepers. It’s the specialist attributes that make the difference.

How Can You Stand Out?

In modern football, scouts look beyond traditional skills to find keepers who align with evolving tactical demands. Mastering these specialist attributes can give you an edge:

1. Outfield Attributes

With the rise of the sweeper-keeper role, goalkeepers are expected to excel with the ball at their feet. Key outfield attributes include:

• Ball Control Under Pressure: Confidence to play out from the back, even when pressed.
• Accurate Passing: The ability to deliver pinpoint long balls and quick short passes.
• Game Reading: Anticipating play to act as an auxiliary defender.
• Speed and Agility: Quick reactions and movement outside the penalty area.

2. Adaptability in Modern Football

Football evolves constantly, and goalkeepers must adapt to changing demands. Scouts value keepers who can adjust to different tactical styles, including:

• High Press Systems: Playing a proactive role in pressing and positioning.
• Counterattacking Systems: Quick distribution to initiate attacks.
• Multi-Formational Play: Adjusting to new formations and defensive setups seamlessly.

The more adaptable a goalkeeper, the more versatile they appear to scouts. Clubs want players who not only fit their current strategy but also offer flexibility for future tactical changes.

3. Commanding Presence

Goalkeepers who can command their penalty area stand out to scouts. This goes beyond physicality and includes:

• Vocal Leadership: Giving clear instructions to organise the defence.
• Physical Confidence: Dominating aerial balls and challenging attackers.
• Assertiveness: Taking charge in critical moments to inspire confidence in teammates.

4. Decision-Making & Game Intelligence

Even the most athletic goalkeeper can struggle if they make poor decisions. Scouts want to see:

• Smart Cross Management: Knowing when to punch or claim crosses.
• Appropriate Handling: Choosing the right technique for different types of saves.
• Effective Distribution: Deciding when to launch an attack or relieve pressure.
• Situational Awareness: Reading the game to intercept dangerous passes or loose balls.

5. Mental Toughness

Football is as much a mental game as a physical one, and goalkeepers are often under immense pressure. Scouts value keepers who exhibit:

• Resilience: Bouncing back from mistakes without losing focus.
• Work Ethic: A relentless drive to improve through training and analysis.
• Steadiness: Keeping a cool head under pressure, particularly in high-stakes moments.

Final Thoughts

Being in the right place at the right time can help you get scouted. But if you focus on developing a combination of foundational skills, modern attributes, adaptability, and unique qualities, you’ll significantly increase your chances of being noticed.

Ultimately, scouts are looking for goalkeepers who not only meet the demands of the game today but also have the potential to grow into the keepers of tomorrow.