Hunting hidden gems - is there anywhere in the world left to scout?

With the world's biggest clubs aware of teenage sensation Dario Osorio from Universidad de Chile, the question arises: is there anywhere left to scout for hidden gems in football?

Dario Osorio was on the radar of top clubs such as AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Salzburg and English and German sides before moving to Denmark at the age of 19. Midtjylland, known for their innovative use of analytics, signed Osorio after considering him for three seasons in Scandinavia.

Clubs now have access to an incredible level of detail on players globally, thanks to advances in technology and data analytics. Eyeball, a scouting platform, is used by over 60% of clubs in Europe's top leagues and provides access to more than 400,000 young players worldwide.

This wealth of data has changed the methods of recruitment, making it more data-driven, efficient and cost-effective. However, despite the availability of data, the human element remains crucial. Midtjylland's technical director stresses the importance of cultural background, family environment and personal fit when signing young players.

While data has opened opportunities for European clubs, clubs like Midtjylland still prioritize finding players who fit their specific playing style. Interestingly, countries like Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Japan are emerging as promising sources of young talent. Meanwhile, Latin America remains a hotbed for footballing abilities.

In summary, it seems that the era of undiscovered talents might be dwindling, but there are still plenty of promising young players scattered across the globe.