Arsenal closely followed Argentine midfielder and World Cup winner Thiago Almada for years, but ultimately decided not to sign him. Scout Jonathan Vidalle has now shared the reason behind the club’s decision, revealing that a specific concern held them back despite dozens of positive reports.
The decision highlights the intense physical demands of the Premier League, where technical skill alone may not be enough. Arsenal’s scouting team felt that Almada’s physique, despite his talent, might not be suited for the English top flight, showing how clubs evaluate players for specific league challenges.
🤔 Why Arsenal Had Concerns
Jonathan Vidalle explained that while he was a big admirer of Thiago Almada, his main worry was the player’s “physical weakness.” He believed this could be a major challenge in the highly physical Premier League. The club had compiled 56 separate reports on Almada, having watched him since he was in the U-15s, which shows how seriously they considered him.
🏆 Almada’s Success Elsewhere
Despite Arsenal’s hesitation, Almada has enjoyed a successful career. He became a World Cup winner with Argentina while playing for Atlanta United in the MLS. He has since made a move to European football, joining Spanish club Atletico Madrid, proving his quality on the big stage.
🔬 The Detailed World of Scouting
Vidalle also gave an insight into how detailed modern scouting is. He mentioned that his colleagues once prepared an eight or nine-page report on Declan Rice. These reports cover everything from a player’s mentality to how their concentration levels change during a match, showing the incredible depth of analysis clubs undertake before making a signing.
