Every player wants to get noticed. But let’s be real, most players don’t separate themselves. Talent alone isn’t enough. Scouts and coaches aren’t looking for “good” players. They’re looking for players who change games, take responsibility, and consistently perform at a high level.
I’ve worked with World Cup winners, Champions League players, and top professionals across the globe. I know exactly what makes a player stand out. Here’s how you do it.
1. MASTER A SPECIALTY: MAKE COACHES REMEMBER YOU
Every elite player has a signature strength that makes them stand out. You need one.
Look at the best players I’ve worked with:
Alex Morgan – Elite movement in the box and one-touch finishing.
Rachel Daly – Relentless pressing and versatility across multiple positions.
Mallory Swanson – Explosive pace and deadly finishing on the counter.
Olivia Moultrie – High-level vision and technical execution under pressure.
Your job? Find what makes you elite and perfect it. If you’re just “solid” at everything, you’ll get overlooked.
What’s your standout trait? Is it 1v1 dribbling? Defensive dominance? Passing range? Develop it until it’s unplayable.
2. THINK FASTER: FOOTBALL IQ WINS MATCHES
The best players see the game one step ahead. Technical skill is crucial, but if you don’t process the game quickly, you won’t succeed at the top level.
How do you improve decision-making?
Watch elite players in your position. Study their movement, scanning, and passing decisions.
Play in high-pressure situations. Small-sided games force fast decisions.
Review your match footage. Identify patterns and improve your speed of play.
The faster you think, the harder you are to stop.
3. RELENTLESS WORK ETHIC: EVERY TRAINING SESSION MATTERS
Talent means nothing if you don’t outwork your competition.
I’ve seen insanely talented players fall off because they refused to put in the work. Meanwhile, players who trained with purpose and consistency passed them up.
Scouts look for players who train like pros before they become pros.
Show up early. Stay late. Track your progress. If you’re only working hard when someone is watching, you’ll never make it.
4. COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP: BE THE PLAYER THAT ORGANIZES THE GAME
The best players aren’t silent. They direct teammates, take responsibility, and step up in big moments.
How do you stand out?
Be vocal on the pitch. Coaches notice players who organize the team.
Encourage teammates. Leadership isn’t just shouting, it’s lifting others up.
Take accountability. If something goes wrong, fix it instead of blaming others.
A loud, confident player who takes charge will always catch a scout’s eye.
5. BE ADAPTABLE: FLEXIBILITY INCREASES YOUR VALUE
Modern football demands positional intelligence. If you can only play one role, you’re limiting yourself.
The best players I’ve worked with understand multiple positions and can slot into different tactical setups.
Learn different systems. Know how to play in a pressing team vs. a counter-attacking team.
Develop a secondary position. If you’re a winger, learn to play as an attacking midfielder. If you’re a defender, improve your ability to play both centrally and wide.
Expand your tactical knowledge. The more problems you can solve, the more valuable you become.
6. TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE UNDER PRESSURE
At the top level, speed of execution separates good from great. It’s not enough to be technical, you have to execute under pressure.
Passing and receiving under pressure – No sloppy touches, no wasted passes.
First touch in tight spaces – The best players control the ball effortlessly, even in chaos.
1v1 ability – Whether attacking or defending, win your duels consistently.
Scouts don’t just look at your technique, they look at whether it holds up in real game situations.
7. PROFESSIONALISM: HOW YOU CARRY YOURSELF MATTERS
Your talent won’t matter if you’re unreliable. Scouts look at more than just ability, they look at attitude, work ethic, and professionalism.
Be coachable. If you resist feedback, you’re finished.
Be consistent. Every session, every game, bring intensity.
Be humble. Confidence is crucial, but arrogance gets you dropped.
I’ve seen talented players get overlooked because their attitude didn’t match their ability. Don’t make that mistake.
8. CONFIDENCE AND COURAGE: OWN YOUR PERFORMANCE
The best players want the ball in big moments. They don’t shy away from pressure, they embrace it.
Train for pressure situations. If you practice at half-speed, you’ll fail in high-stakes moments.
Take responsibility. Demand the ball, go for goal, and back yourself.
Learn from mistakes. Every elite player has failed, what separates them is their response.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING OVERLOOKED AND GETTING SCOUTED
Scouts don’t care about hype. They care about players who impact games consistently.
If you want to stand out:
Develop an elite skill that makes you unplayable.
Process the game faster than your opponents.
Bring intensity and leadership every session.
Be adaptable, coachable, and professional.
Show confidence in big moments.
I’ve worked with players who made it to the highest level because they committed to these principles. Are you willing to do the same?