Reading a football scout’s notebooks: Spotting Rodri and Benzema, and why data needs context

“The reports are beautifully presented, meticulously preserved in ring-bound notepads. Each match is recorded over two pages: home team on the left, away on the right. Next to each player’s name is his shirt number, his height, his age and the date his contract expires. There is a space next to each player’s name for observations on his performance. Some merit one or two lines; others, occasionally, are left blank. The ones that really make an impression get four or five lines. And where the old scout has used his highlighter pen, you know he was ready to make a firm recommendation. …”
NY Times/The Athletic