Why Talent Doesn’t Get You Signed (And What Actually Does)

By Alan Deriard
Football Agent | Elite Football

Short Summary

I’ve evaluated over a thousand players trying to get to Europe, and I can tell you this straight:

The players who get signed are not usually the most talented.

They’re the most reliable.
The most adaptable.
And the easiest to work with.

There are specific behaviours that separate the top 1%, and clubs notice every single one of them.

Why I’m Saying This

I want to be very clear with this one.

Because this is where most players and parents get it wrong.

Everyone thinks football trials are about talent.
Everyone thinks if you’re the best player, you’ll get picked.

That’s not how it works.

I’ve seen unbelievable players get rejected.
And I’ve seen average players get signed.

So, what’s actually going on?

What I’ve Learned Evaluating 1,000+ Players

After years of running trials and working with clubs across Europe through Elite Football, a pattern becomes obvious.

Clubs are not just evaluating:

• technical ability
• athleticism
• highlights

They are evaluating:

• behaviour
• mindset
• adaptability
• reliability under pressure

And most players don’t even realise they’re being judged on these things.

The First Mistake: Thinking You’re Special

This is the biggest one.

The players who get signed do not arrive entitled.

They arrive humble.

They understand one thing:

They are not special yet.

They don’t:

• expect minutes
• complain about sessions
• compare themselves to others
• chase validation

They just earn trust quietly.

Most players ruin their chances before they even touch the ball because they act like they are someone before they’re anyone.

The Reality Most Players Avoid

If you truly wanted to become a professional footballer, your mindset would look different.

You wouldn’t be thinking about:

• accommodation
• food
• comfort
• status

You would be focused on one thing:

Survival and opportunity.

Players from places like Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil don’t treat football as a “want.”

It’s an out.

That creates desperation.

And that desperation removes ego.

Why “Playing Simple” Wins Trials

This is where most players lose.

They try to win the trial in 5 minutes.

They:

• hog the ball
• force actions
• try to impress

But clubs are not asking:

“Can you do something crazy?”

They’re asking:

“Can I trust this player?”

The top players:

• move the ball quickly
• make the right decision
• stay consistent

But here’s the nuance most people miss:

You still need to show something.

If the moment is there to:

• take someone on
• create something
• make a difference

You take it.

The mistake is not trying.
The mistake is forcing.

The Moment Clubs Actually Decide

It’s not when you play well.

It’s when you mess up.

Every player makes mistakes.

But the top 1% respond differently:

• they sprint back immediately
• they reset mentally
• they stay engaged
• they don’t blame teammates
• they don’t look for excuses

Clubs care more about your reaction than the mistake itself.

Because that tells them how you’ll survive long term.

The Behaviour That Gets You Rejected (Even If You’re Good)

I’ve seen this too many times.

A player dominates a session… but:

• throws their arms up
• swears at teammates
• shows frustration constantly

And instantly:

I don’t want to work with them.

Not because they’re not good.

Because they’re going to be a problem.

Clubs think the exact same way.

Talent without the right behaviour is a liability.

What Actually Separates the Top 1%

This is the biggest separator I see.

The players who get signed are not always the best on day one.

But they improve fast.

• Day 1: adjusting
• Day 3: comfortable
• Day 5: they belong

Clubs look for upward trends.

Not peaks.

Anyone can look good for one session.

But:

• can you adapt?
• can you improve quickly?
• can you survive the environment?

That’s what gets you signed.

The Hard Truth About Overseas Football

If you’re coming from Australia, the US, or Canada:

You are not better than local European players on day one.

You’re not walking in and dominating.

But:

• Can you reach their level? Yes.
• Can you surpass it? Yes.

But only if you:

• adapt fast
• stay consistent
• improve daily

That’s what clubs are betting on.

What Actually Gets Players Signed

After everything I’ve seen, it comes down to this:

Talent opens the door.

But it doesn’t keep it open.

What keeps it open is:

• behaviour
• mindset
• consistency
• coachability
• adaptability

That’s what clubs are buying.

What Most Players Get Wrong

The players who struggle are usually:

• overthinking
• chasing outcomes
• desperate for results
• focused on signing

And ironically, that hurts them.

The players who succeed:

• focus on the day-to-day
• enjoy the process
• stay locked in
• don’t force outcomes

And those are the ones who end up getting results.

Final Thoughts

The players who get signed are not always the most talented.

They’re the ones:

• coaches trust
• teammates can rely on
• who adapt quickly
• who handle pressure

If you want to be in the top 1%:

It’s not about big moments.

It’s about doing the basics properly, every single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do football trials reward the best players?

Not always. Trials reward players who show reliability, adaptability, and the right behaviour—not just raw talent.

What do football scouts actually look for?

Scouts look at decision-making, attitude, coachability, and how players respond under pressure, not just technical ability.

Can an average player get signed over a better one?

Yes. Players who are easier to work with and adapt faster often get signed over more talented but inconsistent players.

What is the biggest mistake players make at trials?

Acting entitled and trying too hard to impress instead of playing simple, effective football.

How important is mindset in football trials?

It’s one of the most important factors. Mindset determines how a player handles pressure, adapts, and performs long term.

Author: Alan Deriard
Football Agent | Elite Football
Website: https://elitefootball.com.au