Writings

Published on [Medium](https://joeladejola.medium.com/nigeria-disenfranchised-teens-8d227bb0eca3), June 2024.

Notes from Bayern vs Chelsea - September 2025 in the Champions League.

What happens if you got outsiders in the sporting world yet experts in their own fields thinking about sport at large?

This essay poses a hypothetical and offers solution-frames to discuss epistemic certainty in scouting and recruitment.

And how reading this blog could have prevented that.

Is anything consequential in sports?

This essay argues that mechanics is the single most important predictor of skill transfer between footballing environments.

And why those who can run and carry aggression into subsequent duels are in high-demand.

Mali U-17's Sekou Kone has joined Manchester United from Guidars FC.

This essay infers scouting and recruitment principles from Ange Postecoglou's comments on new signing Dominic Solanke.

Liverpool recently scored yet another goal from an opposition corner. What can we learn? Can other teams emulate?

This essay argues that in both corporate recruitment and sports scouting, identifying and leveraging strengths is more important than flagging weaknesses.

I present a chain-of-thought argument supporting why Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez can and should be considered for the left-back position.

This essay examines the stiff arm action and explains why it is a valuable tool for runners or carriers in open-field sports.

A condensed version of my initial take and projection on Benfica's João Neves, using our guide reflection questions.

This essay adapts the Ignatian Pedagogy, a teaching philosophy developed by the Jesuits, to illustrate how scouts can use reflection to enhance their learning and improve their processes.

This essay examines qualities of outlets, introduces the concept of outlet value, suggests ways to spot (potential for) outlets, and attempts to establish a broader definition for this attribute of football players.

We argue that a head coach's decision to adopt an attacking style, despite their team's inability to effectively compete using such tactics, might reflect poorly on their talent ID.

Some features of a great shot and great shooters.

How a hypothetical observation of crawling plants can help us develop and affirm scouting paradigms.

Blitz report and projections on Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic.

Public analysis tends to elevate description to the level of insight, occasionally veering into fiction. How avoid that pitfall?

I share more non-trivial scouting cues: on set-pieces, why reputation matters for strikers, and young players who feature in dysfunctional teams.

I share some non-trivial scouting cues I've acquired over the past two years.

Combining Xabi Alonso's reflections and earlier published words to highlight the importance of synergies in football.

What the title says. On motivation, Arteta, and throw-ins.

This blog is an archive. What does this mean for you, the reader? What does that means for me, the writer?

What is anti-strategy and how does it manifest in football?

Football evolves. How do we stay ahead?

In football, the battle for aerial dominance extends beyond the ball's arrival.

Blitz report and projections on Manchester United's Amad Diallo.

The implications of digital proliferation on player development.

Culmination of a year-long immersion into football.