What Scouts Look For in a Striker (A Modern #9's Guide)
Every team on the planet is searching for a reliable goalscorer. It's the hardest and most expensive position to recruit for, which means the opportunity for a talented striker is massive. But the role has changed. Just being a big target man who can head the ball or a small poacher who taps it in isn't enough anymore.
So, what do scouts, coaches, and sporting directors actually look for when they're trying to find a modern number 9? You might think it's all about your goal record, and while that's important, it's only one piece of the puzzle. Here's the inside track on what gets you noticed and what gets you signed.
The Non-Negotiable: Goalscoring Instincts
Let's get the obvious one out of the way. You have to be a threat in front of goal. This isn't just about how many you score, but how you score them. A scout wants to see a variety of finishes.
Can you score with both feet? Are you a threat in the air from corners and crosses? Can you find the net from outside the box? Can you stay composed and finish a one-on-one with the keeper? A player who can only score one type of goal is easier for defenders to figure out.
We look for players who don't just shoot, but who shoot with intelligence. Do you go for power when you need touch? Do you try to chip the keeper when a low, hard shot into the corner is the better option? This is what we call "shot selection." A great striker instinctively knows the right finish for the situation. It's a natural intelligence that the best forwards possess.
Movement Off the Ball
This is arguably what separates good strikers from elite ones. What do you do for the 90 minutes when the ball isn't at your feet? Sitting on the shoulder of the last defender waiting for a long ball won't cut it in the modern game.
Scouts will watch you relentlessly when your team doesn't have possession and when the ball is on the other side of the pitch. Are you static, or are you constantly making movements to create space for yourself and your teammates? Can you make a sharp, angled run into the channel to receive a pass? Do you know when to drop deep to link up play and when to spin in behind?
Here’s what top-tier movement looks like:
- The Decoy Run: Making a run you know you won't receive the ball on, just to pull a centre-back out of position and create a gap for a midfielder to run into.
- The Double Movement: Faking a run one way (e.g., coming short towards the ball) and then sharply changing direction to burst into the space you just created behind the defender.
- Box Movement: This is critical. Inside the penalty area, can you make a quick, sharp movement to get away from your marker just as the ball is being delivered? A late run to the back post, a dart to the front post, or checking back to the penalty spot. The best strikers are ghosts in the box.
Technical Skills for a Modern #9
Beyond finishing, your all-around technical ability will be heavily scrutinised. The modern game often requires the striker to be the focal point of the attack, linking play and bringing others into the game.
First Touch and Ball Control
Your first touch is everything. When a firm pass is fizzed into your feet with a defender tight on your back, can you control it instantly? A heavy touch gives the defender the chance to win the ball or forces you away from goal. A clean first touch allows you to protect the ball, turn, or lay it off to a teammate in one fluid motion.
We look for players who can receive the ball on the half-turn. This means your body is already positioned to face the opponent's goal, allowing you to be a direct threat immediately instead of having your back to goal all the time.
Linking Up Play
Are you a black hole where attacks go to die, or can you be a wall for your midfielders to play off? You need to demonstrate the ability to:
- Hold the Ball Up: Use your body strength to shield the ball from a defender, buying time for your teammates to get up the pitch in support.
- Layoffs: Play simple, accurate one-touch passes to onrushing midfielders. The quality and weight of this pass are crucial.
- Combination Play: Engage in quick one-twos and flick-ons to break down a compact defence.
A striker who can do this effectively makes the entire team better. Think of players like Roberto Firmino during his time at Liverpool or Olivier Giroud for France. Their value went far beyond just their goals.
Physical and Mental Attributes
Talent is one thing, but can you handle the physical and mental demands of the professional game? This is where many technically gifted players fall short.
What are the key physical traits?
- Pace & Acceleration: Explosive speed over the first 5-10 yards is more important than top-end sprint speed. It’s this acceleration that allows you to separate from a defender to get a shot off.
- Strength: You don't have to be a giant, but you need functional strength to hold your own against big, aggressive centre-backs. This is about balance and knowing how to use your body to protect the ball.
- Stamina: Can you press defenders relentlessly for 90 minutes? The modern striker is the first line of defence. A scout wants to see you working just as hard in the 85th minute as you did in the 5th.
- Aerial Ability: Being good in the air isn't just about height; it's about timing your jump and being aggressive. Can you win attacking headers from crosses and also be a presence defending your own box on set pieces?
What about the mental side?
The mentality of a striker is unique. You can go 89 minutes without a touch, but you have to remain switched on for that one chance that could win the game. Scouts look for resilience. How do you react after you miss an easy chance? Do you let your head drop, or are you immediately hungry for the next one? Composure, confidence (without arrogance), and a relentless work ethic are the mental traits that define top strikers.
FAQ for Aspiring Strikers
Do I need to be a certain height to be a striker?
No. While height can be an advantage for a target man, it’s not essential. Players like Sergio Agüero and Antoine Griezmann prove that intelligence, movement, and technical skill can be far more valuable. You just need to excel at the attributes that fit your physique.
How many goals do I need to score to get noticed?
There's no magic number, but you need to be a consistent top scorer for your team and in your league. Scoring 20 goals in a season will get you noticed. However, a scout would rather see a player with 15 goals and 10 assists who shows great movement and link-up play than a pure poacher with 20 goals who offers nothing else.
What's more important: speed or strength?
It depends on your style of play. An ideal striker has a blend of both. However, if you are exceptionally fast but not as strong, you need to be an expert at running in behind defences. If you are very strong but not lightning-quick, you must be dominant at holding the ball up and being a clinical finisher in the box. Know your strengths and master them.
Your journey to becoming a professional striker is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires dedicating yourself to a constant process of improvement, from your finishing drills to your work in the gym. Focus on being a complete forward, not just a goal poacher. Analyse your game, watch top-level strikers, and understand how you can add more to your team’s performance beyond just putting the ball in the net.
When you're ready to take the next step, My Football Future is the platform where you can find real, active opportunities for trials and professional contracts from clubs looking for their next number 9.