What Do Scouts Look For In A Goalkeeper?

jattinel
Jan 27
3 min read

As a licensed US Soccer scout and former professional goalkeeper, one of the most frequently asked questions I get from parents and goalkeepers is, “What do scouts look for in a goalkeeper?”

The most important thing to remember is that the art of goalkeeping is so much more than the ability to keep the ball out of the net. While this is the most obvious skill you need, when scouting for the next level, there are many additional qualities that catch a scout’s eye.

Today, I’m breaking down five key components I look for in a youth goalkeeper beyond the obvious question, “can you make saves?”

1) How Do You Carry Yourself Through the 90 Minutes?

Goalkeepers face many challenges during a game, and one of the most telling traits of a goalkeeper’s mindset and ability is how they manage their emotions and carry themselves throughout the match.

Being a goalkeeper isn’t for the weak-minded or faint of heart. It’s true when they say goalkeepers are a little bit crazy, but I’ve always felt the position is a mix of courage, leadership, emotional control, and, yes, a touch of madness. When scouting, I look for a goalkeeper who knows how and when to let these emotions show.

Are you a leader throughout the 90 minutes?
Are you communicating effectively with your defense, or just yelling for the sake of yelling?
How does the team respond to your leadership?
Do you keep your chest tall despite mistakes?
Are you willing to put your body on the line to keep the ball out of the net?

If you control your presence on the field and carry yourself with confidence and composure, it speaks volumes about your potential as a leader and a goalkeeper.

2) Do You Stay Connected With Your Team for 90 Minutes?

As goalkeepers, we’ve all experienced moments where the game action is far from our side of the field, and our minds start to wander. Then, suddenly, a long ball comes over the top, and we’re caught out of position. This lapse can cost your team.

As a scout, I want to see that you’re constantly on the same page with your team. If the team is pressing higher up the field, your positioning should reflect that—ready to step in if something breaks down.

Staying engaged for the entire game demonstrates your mental focus and ability to read the game, ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time.

3) What Do You Do With Your Distribution?

The role of the goalkeeper has evolved. Gone are the days when “kicking it long” was the default option. While there’s still a time and place for it, modern goalkeepers need to offer much more.

Scouts look for:

Accuracy in distribution.
An understanding of when to play away from pressure.
The ability to decide when to speed up or slow down the game.
Confidence in connecting with your backline to move the ball quickly.
The ability to bypass lines of pressure with your passing.

These qualities highlight your soccer IQ and adaptability, making you a valuable asset in today’s game.

4) Your Ability to Read the Game

Making the right decisions on crosses, through balls, and other key moments is crucial for goalkeepers. Your ability to consistently choose when to come off your line or stay back shows scouts that you have a strong understanding of the game.

Split-second decisions can change the outcome of a match, and demonstrating a high level of game awareness builds confidence in your abilities.

5) Can You Make the Game Look Easy?

Goalkeeping is one of the hardest positions in soccer. Every save and action is scrutinized because you’re the last line of defense. Despite the difficulty, great goalkeepers make it look easy.

Can you make a big save look routine?
Do you catch the ball cleanly?
Are your dives controlled and precise?

The easier you make the position appear, the more confidence coaches and teammates will have in your ability to protect the goal.

Final Thoughts

These five components can help set you apart from the pack. The best way to improve in these areas is by learning from mistakes, practicing with these principles in mind, and gaining as much game experience as possible.

Experience brings growth and confidence—two essential ingredients for success as a goalkeeper. Focus on these qualities, and you’ll be well on your way to catching the attention of scouts and coaches.