How FC Barcelona chose Al Ahly star

João Amaral, head of talent scouting at FC Barcelona, has revealed the criteria the club uses to select new players, explaining that signings are not based solely on numbers and statistics, but require a comprehensive assessment of technical, tactical, and physical aspects, along with the player's personality and ability to adapt to the team's environment.

Amaral stated, in comments reported by the Spanish newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo', that an over-reliance on data could lead to overlooking impactful details in player assessments. He stressed the importance of live viewing, which gives scouts the opportunity to notice movements, tactical decisions, and behavior on the pitch—elements that may not be clearly visible in recordings or digital indicators.

He pointed out that the real challenge lies not in discovering players with outstanding numbers, but in identifying the elements capable of harmonizing with FC Barcelona's philosophy and meeting its technical needs, which requires a combination of statistical analysis and field evaluation.

Barcelona begins the exploration process by identifying the team's needs in coordination with sporting director Deco and coach Hansi Flick, before the data analysis department takes over to outline the required specifications and prepare an initial list of potential players.

Following that, scouting teams will monitor the proposed names and assess their physical, technical, and tactical potential, preparing detailed reports to assist club officials in determining each player's suitability for the team's plans.

Amaral revealed that FC Barcelona no longer relies on the traditional numerical rating system from zero to ten in scouting reports, preferring to provide detailed descriptions and notes that highlight the strengths and areas needing development, rather than reducing a player's level to a number that may be influenced by personal judgment.

FC Barcelona is not only studying the targeted players' performances on the pitch but also their personalities and circumstances off the field, including their family and the surrounding social environment.

According to Amaral, understanding these aspects helps the club assess the player's ability to handle the pressures associated with wearing the FC Barcelona shirt, as well as their readiness to integrate into the dressing room and adapt to life in the city.

The scouting department utilizes various sources, including social media and direct conversations, to build a more comprehensive picture of the player before making a final decision on signing him.

Amaral emphasized that traveling to follow players and watching them from the stands is an essential part of scouts' work, as this method allows for observing the player's movements, decisions, and reactions in various situations, providing the club with information that numbers alone cannot offer.

The head of the talent scouting department discussed Brazilian striker Vitor Roque's experience after joining FC Barcelona during the winter transfer window, explaining that his potential aligned with the club's technical vision, but the timing of his arrival posed additional challenges.

Roki's transfer came in the middle of the season, requiring him to quickly adapt to the team and prove his abilities amid the high expectations surrounding the deal.

This experience highlights the importance of considering the circumstances surrounding transfers, as it is not enough for a player to possess talent and technical abilities; the timing of their move and their readiness to integrate and provide the required contribution must also be taken into account.

Amaral concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of reviewing past experiences and learning from them when planning future signings, stating: "If we do not learn from our mistakes, we will not progress," referring to the need to develop scouting mechanisms and avoid repeating mistakes in FC Barcelona's talent acquisition policy.

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