"With Robby Van Thuyne, we have a scout who works incredibly hard and can program very well. Bringing him to Kortrijk was my first act. That guy is insane... he has a huge eye for discovering potential."
Nils Vanneste, Sporting Director, KV Kortrijk
KV Kortrijk
Current
Head of data & recruitment
OH Leuven
Scouting
Club Brugge
Scouting
KV Oostende
Head of data & recruitment
Deportivo Alavés
Scouting
We.Are.Scouting
Scouting
"Our data system must be our guarantee for the future... Who works with data has an advantage."
KV Kortrijk Management on the systems developed by Robby Van Thuyne
"My system is built on a clear objective: to scan the widest possible range of markets and distill them into the highest-quality, best-fitting targets for the club."
1. Broad-Market Screening Instead of chasing the same players as every other club, my system begins with a wide-lens "Screening" phase.
Massive Reach: We systematically scan 3 to 4 entire countries every eight weeks to ensure no talent is overlooked.
Early Identification: The goal is to identify 70–100% of all relevant U24 talent in a region before they become high-priced targets.
Efficiency: We can process a high volume of matches and data points quickly, allowing for a "always-on" scouting operation.
2. Precision Technical Scouting Once the screening identifies potential, the "Scouting" phase takes over to provide deep-dive technical and human analysis of the players.
Multi-Report Verification: No player is signed based on a single good game. My system requires a minimum of six detailed reports from multiple scouts to eliminate bias.
Positional Specialization: Players are evaluated against specific "Role Profiles" tailored to the club’s tactical DNA, ensuring they fit the pitch and the dressing room.
Live & Video Integration: We blend high-tempo video scouting with final "live" assessments to confirm a player’s intensity, character, and off-ball movement.
Minimized Margin for Error: By using a structured funnel—moving from 1,000+ screened players to a final shortlist - we significantly reduce the risk of a "transfer flop."
Data-Informed, Not Data-Led: We use raw data to find the where and the who, but we use expert technical scouting to decide the why.
Market Independence: This proprietary architecture allows a club to find "hidden gems" in overlooked markets, providing a massive competitive advantage against wealthier opponents.
Consistency & Continuity: The system creates a "Helicopter View" of the market that stays with the club, ensuring the scouting cell remains stable and productive year-round.
"I don't just find players; I build the systems that discover them."
My tailored system is designed to move beyond commercial databases, creating a rigorous, data-led funnel:
Phase 1: Global Market Scanning Uses raw data and custom-programmed formulas to scan a wide range of international markets for undervalued talent.
Phase 2: Deep-Dive Evaluation Targets specific metrics tailored to the club’s tactical needs, ensuring a "360-degree" technical profile.
Phase 3: Continuous Re-Evaluation A dynamic screening process that updates player potential in real-time, reducing the "margin for error" in final recruitment.
Phase 4: Cultural Fit Screening Ensures that the "best" player is also the "best-fitting" player for the specific club identity and dressing room.
This system has successfully identified high-impact players who were overlooked by traditional scouting networks:
Matthew Anderson: Successfully identified and integrated through targeted data-trail tracking.
Rudy Kohon: Discovered at Betis U21 through raw data analysis and scouting when he was virtually unknown to other major clubs.
Low Margin for Error: By building my own formulas rather than using "off-the-shelf" scores, I provide a unique accuracy that others miss.
Market Independence: My system allows me to find value in diverse, "non-obvious" leagues, giving the club a competitive advantage in the transfer market.
Automation & Hard Work: As noted by club directors, the system is backed by a 24/7 commitment to monitoring and refinement.
Beyond Commercial Tools: Rather than relying on standard "off-the-shelf" scouting platforms used by everyone, I develop proprietary formulas to extract and analyze raw data. But also work with an unique scouting system.
Minimizing Error: This tailored approach significantly reduces the "margin for error" in recruitment, ensuring a higher success rate for new signings.
Targeted Discovery: This methodology has directly led to the discovery of "hidden" talents like Rudy Kohon and Matthew Anderson—players overlooked by traditional scouting networks.
Work Ethic: Described by Sporting Directors as "insane" in terms of commitment, providing 24/7 availability to respond to the fast-paced needs of a modern football club.
Global Reach: Operating from a base in Spain while maintaining a constant presence in Belgium, I bridge international markets with local club needs.
Resilience: A proven track record of loyalty and persistence, even during challenging club transitions or financial periods.
The "Club Fit" Focus: I prioritize identifying players who match the specific identity and "DNA" of the club, both on and off the pitch.
A Strategic Asset: I view scouts as being "just as important as the players," serving as a fundamental pillar in the long-term stability and future of the organization.
Collaborative Integration: I work in close alignment with the coaching staff and management to ensure that every recruitment target fits the tactical "axis" of the team.
Advanced Programming: Expert-level capability in programming scouting systems to automate and refine talent identification.
Market Intelligence: Deep knowledge of the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, Challenger Pro League, and international markets.
Video & Live Analysis: Balancing data with a "huge eye for discovering potential" through traditional scouting methods.
"The club works with a compact margin for error thanks to extensive data analysis. 'We have a good scouting cell and work with a lot of data,' it sounds like. The emphasis is on players who fit within the club culture both sportingly and personally. Within that process, scout Robby Van Thuyne plays a central role."
""Scouting is no longer just about finding a good player; it's about finding the right player for a specific ecosystem. You need to bridge the gap between what the data tells you on a screen and what the reality is on the pitch. My goal is to create a '360-degree profile' where technical stats, tactical intelligence, and human personality all align."
2025 - Presentation 'Data informed recruitment' @ Statsbomb club convention in Barcelona
2025 - Masterclass 'How we use data in smaller club recruitment' @ GM Football Academy (Technical Director course)
"He lives in Spain but works day and night. Every six weeks he comes to Belgium... People like him are just as important as the players."
Nils Vanneste & Jelle Schelstraete, KV Kortrijk Management
Deportivo Alaves
Buenos días,
Sirva este mensaje para referenciar el excelente trabajo que ha realizado el señor Robby Van Thuyne a lo largo de esta temporada como soporte para el departamento de Dirección Deportiva del Deportivo Alavés.
Las habilidades y capacidades de Robby son múltiples. Comenzando por el dominio de varios idiomas y terminando por un profundo conocimiento del juego. Su mirada detenida y reflexiva para poder identificar perfiles adecuados en base a unas características o un modelo de juego o contexto determinado marcan la diferencia. A todo ello hemos de sumar su capacidad y conocimiento para desarrollar herramientas capaces de organizar la información y optimizar el tiempo de análisis o búsqueda.
Robby, sin duda, aúna todas las capacidades que un técnico de nueva generación debe poseer, pero lo más importante es que sus valores personales son intachables y que siempre muestra interés e inquietud en cualquier proceso.
Cualquier organización deportiva mejora sus prestaciones y posibilidades contando con una persona de su talante y calidad.
Saludos cordiales.
Víctor Moreno - Adjunto a DD
" Es un placer brindar una sólida recomendación para Robby Van Thuyne, con quien he tenido el privilegio de colaborar en el último año. Como agente, es fundamental contar con asesoramiento de calidad en mi campo laboral, y Robby ha sido excepcional en este sentido. Siempre está disponible para una llamada y ha sido un gran consejero.
Robby ha demostrado su destreza en el análisis de datos y un amplio conocimiento de diversas ligas. Su trabajo en este campo ha sido impresionante, y sus aportes han sido de gran valor para mi desempeño profesional. Sus habilidades y experiencia en el mundo del fútbol han sido un recurso invaluable para tomar decisiones informadas.
Además, Robby tiene una gran capacidad para establecer contactos en el ámbito futbolístico. Recuerdo haberlo conocido cuando daba sus primeros pasos, pero a través de su arduo trabajo, ha escalado posiciones y ha logrado destacarse en su campo.
En resumen, Robby Van Thuyne es un profesional excepcional y valioso. Su experiencia en el fútbol, combinada con su habilidad para analizar datos y establecer conexiones, lo convierten en un activo invaluable para cualquier equipo o empresa. Estoy seguro de que su colaboración tendrá un impacto positivo y duradero en cualquier proyecto en el que participe."
Jose Mera Rodriguez
Gelu Rodriguez Agencia
Metodo Grow
l.com
English translation
“It is a pleasure to provide a strong recommendation for Robby Van Thuyne, with whom I have had the privilege of collaborating over the past year. As an agent, it is crucial to have quality guidance in my field, and Robby has been exceptional in this regard. He is always available for a call and has been a great advisor.
Robby has demonstrated his proficiency in data analysis and a broad knowledge of various leagues. His work in this field has been impressive, and his contributions have been of great value to my professional performance. His skills and experience in the world of football have been an invaluable resource for making informed decisions.
Furthermore, Robby has a great ability to establish contacts in the football industry. I remember meeting him when he was taking his first steps, but through his hard work, he has climbed the ranks and excelled in his field.
In summary, Robby Van Thuyne is an exceptional and valuable professional. His experience in football, combined with his ability to analyse data and establish connections, make him an invaluable asset to any team or company. I am confident that his collaboration will have a positive and lasting impact on any project he is involved in.”
“ I am delighted to provide a recommendation for Robby Van Thuyne, who has been instrumental in supporting me with his knowledge of football. As an agent, I rely on data analysis to make informed decisions, and Robby's expertise in this area has been invaluable to my work. His dedication and commitment to his profession are evident, as he consistently goes above and beyond, seemingly working around the clock to deliver outstanding results.
Robby's innovative solution, which he has developed, has captured our attention, particularly for its potential application within our academy. His thorough understanding of the intricacies of the game, combined with his analytical skills, has allowed him to create a solution that aligns perfectly with our goals. I firmly believe that implementing his approach would significantly enhance our academy's performance and development processes.
Moreover, Robby's professionalism and work ethic are commendable. He consistently demonstrates a passion for his craft and a genuine commitment to providing the best possible outcomes. His ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts has greatly facilitated our collaboration.
For any organisation seeking a valuable addition to their club, I wholeheartedly endorse Robby Van Thuyne. His expertise in football, coupled with his data analysis capabilities and innovative solutions, make him an exceptional asset. I am confident that his contributions will have a lasting and positive impact on any team or organisation fortunate enough to have him on board.”
Patrick Williams
Player Mentor & Relationship Manager
Vision Management Performance
“Robby and I started working together at the beginning of the football season
2022/2023. He created a group of scouts. He was the manager of a team of
international scouts and he even created an app to help the scouts to work
together in a same direction.
Before our work together, I was for 2 years in the French Club of Le Havre
AC. Now I am working for Rapid Wien. I am used to the professional football
environment and I was impressed by the professionalism of Robby and his
team.
To my point of view, he has all the capacity to work in a club as a scout. He
already have a very good knowledge of the football in a global way. He is
also capable to lead a team like he already did.
Personally, I’ll say that Robby has plenty of qualities as a coworker. He is
easy to work with, friendly but serious at work. He is organized and hard
worker and He is very interested by the football.
I would recommend Robby without a doubt.”
Pierre LESSARD-GOLONKA
Scout at SK Rapid Wien
“Dear Hiring Manager,
With all due respect, I strongly recommend the opportunity for you to hire Robby Van
Thuyne for your team.
I am Ahmad Adam Mukhlis bin Sariman, currently the Head of Youth Development at Kerteh
Football Club. Robby has given me an opportunity for me to ply my trade in my native
country in helping football here grow modernly and into a more positive way. I am currently
in my second year at the club, and everything is smooth sailing.
During the time spent together at We.Are.Scouting (W.A.S), Robby has helped in various
ways in understanding how to write a proper scouting report. Not only that he helped me
honed my skills where, he constantly kept praising me for my work even though he had
helped me thoroughly with them. I would describe him as a person who constantly believes
in giving someone a chance regardless of their background. This relates back a lot to me, as I was the first Malaysian scout that he came into contact and initially wanted me to expand
my horizon bigger.
He believed in me and gave me opportunities for me to learn and grow,
especially with my current club where he helped me in a way to secure my first paid role.
Even though it is not much, to a student like me who is learning his way in the industry,
Robby is a brother figure who takes care of his family and constantly wants what is best for
them.
Behind all this brotherly love, Robby is also a person who values the quality of work. Thus,
he constantly pushes us all to create a well written report for us to be able to use in the
future, regardless of where we are, whether it’s in England or Malaysia, he was there to lend
a hand and an ‘earful’.
His passionate quality in trying to constantly improve the things around him is what I adore.
From using paid scouting tools, Robby made his own version and taught us how we can
make ones ourselves.
I only have positives for Robby, he is, like I said a brother figure for me. If you need more
information or more incredible stories about Robby, feel free to contact me at +60-010-
7875347, or by email at adamsariman01@gmail.com.”
Sincerely,
Adam Sariman
Head of Youth Development
Kerteh Football Club
“ It is my pleasure to recommend Mr Robby Van Thuyne for a scouting position at your club.
I have worked with Mr Robby since June 2022 after he had founded a scouting organisation known as We Are Scouting. This organisation comprised about 10+ scouts from different parts of the world who worked for agencies and clubs to provide data and video analysis .
Generally, Robby is highly aggressive in his work and always ensures that every task is completed before the deadline. He is self motivated leader and capable of motivating his team to perform well even under difficult circumstances.
He is so passionate in what he does, creative and he never stops learning new techniques to make work easier for the team. He has got excellent knowledge of football tactics and he is good in modern and traditional methods of scouting.
Mr Robby will surely be a highly valuable addition to the team and will make a huge difference within a short period of time.”
Anna Masagati
Football Scout Dep. Africa