With some football clubs, it feels like their scouting process consists entirely of signing players who might shift a few replica shirts or help their fans gloat on social media. Little consideration is given to how they will suit the team and help it improve.
Liverpool are far more methodical in their business. They employ data experts to analyse potential targets, looking far beyond simple numbers like goals and assists.
Any signing still needs the approval of the manager, though. In an excerpt from his excellent new book ‘Intensity: Inside Liverpool FC - Our Identity’, the Reds’ assistant manager Pep Lijnders explains how he scouted Luis Diaz earlier this year. It makes for very interesting reading having now seen Diaz in action for Liverpool.
