A case study of the use of verbal reports for talent identification purposes in soccer: A Messi affair!

Reeves, Matthew orcid iconORCID: 0000-0002-3903-2910, McRobert, Allistair P., Lewis, Colin J. and Roberts, Simon J. (2019) A case study of the use of verbal reports for talent identification purposes in soccer: A Messi affair! PLOS ONE, 14 (11). e0225033.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225033

Abstract

Using a two-study approach, the main purpose of this case study was to explore the use of a verbal reporting methodology to better understand the thought processes of soccer talent scouts during an in-situ talent identification environment. Study 1 developed a standardized coding-scheme to examine verbal cognitions during a single soccer game. Study 2 then utilized this methodology to examine two full-time recruitment staff trained in the use of concurrent verbal reporting before undertaking a live, in-game task. Participants also participated in a debrief interview following the game. The findings of the two studies suggest that developing a verbal reporting protocol is viable, however when applied in a live-game environment it is problematic. Future research should therefore consider a modified version of this task to further explore the cognitions of scouts whilst observing and identifying potential talent.


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