Chief Scout

Scouting Glossary

Every term used in Chief Scout — from xG and role score to gegenpressing and comparables.

All Technical Tactical Mental Physical Recruitment

Technical

Chance CreationThe volume of goal-scoring opportunities a player generates for teammates, typically measured as key passes plus through balls completed per 90 minutes.Dribble CompletionThe percentage of attempted take-ons that successfully beat an opponent; a measure of 1v1 effectiveness and decisiveness.First TouchThe quality of a player's initial contact when receiving the ball, which determines how quickly and cleanly they can set up their next action.Key PassA pass that directly creates a clear shooting opportunity for a teammate, regardless of whether a goal results.Press ResistanceA player's ability to retain possession, find an exit pass, or advance the ball when pressed by opponents.Progressive PassesPasses that advance the ball at least 10 metres closer to the opposition goal; the standard measure of line-breaking play in the middle third.Through BallA pass played into space behind the defensive line for a runner to collect, designed to exploit a high or flat back four.xG (Expected Goals)The probability that a shot will become a goal, calculated from shot position, assist type, body part, and historical conversion rates for equivalent chances.

Tactical

Build-Up PlayThe organised process of progressing the ball from the goalkeeper or back four into the midfield and attack through structured short-passing patterns.Channel RunningAttacking runs made into the space between a centre-back and full-back, designed to stretch the defensive line and create space for teammates.GegenpressingImmediate counter-press after losing possession, designed to win the ball back within seconds in the opponent's half before they can organise.Half-SpaceThe zone between the wide channel and the central lane on each side of the pitch; typically the most dangerous area to receive the ball in the final third.High Line

Mental

CoachabilityA player's receptiveness to instruction and willingness to adapt their playing style, positioning, or behaviour to fit team requirements.ComposureThe ability to remain calm, accurate, and decisive under physical or psychological pressure — in the box, under a press, or in high-stakes moments.Decision MakingThe speed and quality of choices made under time pressure — particularly when to pass, shoot, or carry, and which option maximises the team's position.LeadershipThe capacity to organise teammates, raise collective performance in adversity, and take responsibility for key moments — in the dressing room and on the pitch.

Physical

Aerial AbilityThe combination of jumping reach, timing, and heading technique that determines a player's effectiveness in aerial duels at both ends of the pitch.Explosive PaceBurst speed over short distances (5–20 metres), distinct from sustained top-end sprint speed; the attribute most relevant to transitions, channel runs, and first-step separation.StaminaThe ability to sustain high-intensity effort across 90+ minutes and repeat sprints throughout a match without a measurable drop in quality.Work RateThe volume of pressing, defensive tracking, and off-ball running a player contributes across a match — independent of technical quality.

Recruitment

Club LevelChief Scout's tier rating for a player's club, measured on a 1–99 scale anchored to known benchmarks — a top-five Premier League club anchors at 95; League One mid-table at approximately 78.ComparableA transfer used as a reference point to calibrate valuation — typically a player of similar age, role, position, and level who moved in the last 12–24 months.CS ValueChief Scout's proprietary player valuation — a market estimate that blends the player's role score, club level, age curve, and recent comparable transfer fees.HomegrownA player who qualifies as domestically developed under league registration rules — typically due to years spent at clubs within the same country before a specified age; valuable for squad registration compliance.Role Score

A defensive setup where the team's back four pushes close to the halfway line, compressing the pitch and squeezing the opposition into their own territory.

Chief Scout's primary player effectiveness rating — a 1–99 number representing how well a player performs within their optimal role, anchored to identifiable benchmarks.