What Scouts Look For in a Striker (A Modern #9 Guide)

''' Ever noticed how the best strikers seem to be in the right place at the right time, all the time? It’s not luck. It’s a skill, and it’s one of the first things scouts look for in a modern number 9.

Your job is to score goals, yes. But how you create the opportunities to score is what separates a top-level pro from an amateur forward. Scouts aren't just watching to see if the ball hits the back of the net; they're analyzing every movement you make, with and without the ball, to judge if you have the intelligence and physical tools to succeed at their club's level.

This guide breaks down exactly what scouts and coaches are looking for when they evaluate a striker. We'll cover the technical skills, the physical attributes, and the mental game you need to stand out.

Is Finishing All That Matters?

Let's get this out of the way first. Of course, your ability to finish is critical. It’s the baseline requirement for the position. But a scout will assume you can finish; your highlight video and playing record should already show that. What they come to see live is everything else.

Can you score different types of goals? Are you a threat in the air? Can you finish with both feet? Do you stay composed in a one-on-one? These are the questions they are trying to answer.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what "good finishing" looks like to a scout:

But once they've ticked the "can finish" box, their real evaluation begins.

The Off-the-Ball Movement of an Elite #9

This is where games are won and professional contracts are earned. Your movement creates space for yourself and your teammates. Scouts spend half their time just watching what you do before the ball ever comes near you.

Creating Separation

How do you get away from your defender in the box? Good defenders are strong, quick, and read the game well. You need to be smarter.

  1. Sharp, Decisive Runs: No lazy arcs. Make explosive, straight-line sprints. A 5-yard burst is often all you need.
  2. The Double Movement: This is classic striker play. Make a short run in one direction (e.g., towards the ball) to move the defender, then sharply change direction and accelerate into the space you’ve created (e.g., in behind).
  3. Blind-Side Runs: Get on the "back shoulder" of the defender where they can't see you and the ball at the same time. This is especially deadly for crosses and balls played in behind the defensive line.
  4. Channel Runs: Are you willing to run the channels? Making runs into the wide areas (between the opposition full-back and centre-back) stretches the defence, creates space for your midfielders, and shows you have the work rate to contribute to the team’s overall play.

Scouts want to see a striker who is constantly thinking, probing, and asking questions of the defence.

What Physical Profile Do You Need?

There is no single "correct" body type for a striker. Erling Haaland is a giant, while Lautaro Martinez is compact and powerful. The key is that your physical attributes must complement your style of play.

You don't need to be a 10/10 in all these areas, but you must have at least one or two elite physical traits that define your game.

The Intangibles: Mentality and Attitude

This is often the deciding factor, especially when choosing between two players of similar technical ability. A scout is judging your character from the moment you step on the pitch.

Are you a good teammate? Do you communicate? Do you celebrate a teammate’s goal as much as your own?

How do you react to a missed chance? Do you let your head drop and hide for the next ten minutes, or do you get straight back into position, ready for the next opportunity? Resilience is a non-negotiable trait for a professional striker. You will miss more chances than you score; it's how you handle that reality that defines you.

Scouts look for leaders. They want players who take responsibility, work hard, and positively influence the group.

FAQ for Aspiring Strikers

How can I show my movement on a highlight video?

Your highlight video should absolutely include clips of your off-the-ball movement. Don't just show goals. Include a few clips where you make a great run that creates a chance for a teammate, or where your double movement gets you into a scoring position even if the final shot is saved. Use a wide-angle view for these clips.

Do I need to be big and strong to be a top striker?

No. Look at players like Paulo Dybala or Gabriel Jesus. They rely on a low centre of gravity, quick feet, and intelligent movement, not brute strength. The key is to excel at the physical traits that suit your style. If you aren't a giant, you need to be exceptionally sharp and clever.

What if I don't score during my trial?

It’s not the end of the world, provided you contribute in other ways. Did you work relentlessly? Did your movement create chances for others? Did you hold the ball up effectively? Coaches and scouts understand that sometimes the ball just doesn't go in. If you show that you have all the other attributes of a top striker, you can still make a great impression.

Being a top striker is about so much more than just putting the ball in the net. It's about intelligence, work rate, physicality, and a relentless desire to improve. Focus on developing these core areas, and you’ll give yourself the best possible chance of getting noticed.

When you are ready to take the next step, My Football Future is the place to find live professional and academy trial opportunities, connect with licensed agents, and see contract openings from clubs worldwide. '''