In this new blog series, we give the floor to scientists engaged in technology related research and valorization activities within the sports technology and innovation field at Ghent University. In this way we want to provide insight into what is brewing behind the scenes. In short, we put the researcher under the microscope.
In this blog we have a chat with Laurens Gilson and Arne Jaspers.
Laurens is a PhD researcher at the Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, currently working on the talent identification and development in youth soccer players research topic under the supervision of Prof. Matthieu Lenoir. They’re collaborating with the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) to optimize the identification and development of Belgian soccer talent.
Arne works for the RBFA as a sports scientist, where he monitors the players of the Belgian national team. Furthermore, he’s a Postdoctoral researcher focusing on athlete tracking technology, continuous monitoring and load management in team sports at KU Leuven.
Revolutionizing talent development in Belgian football
For young players in Belgium, the journey to becoming a Red Devil or Red Flame is far from linear. Some athletes progress steadily through the youth ranks, while others emerge at a very young age, fade from the spotlight, and reappear later. Some only break through at a much later stage, and a few exceptional talents—like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku—rise early and make the leap to the Red Devils at a remarkably young age. Understanding these varied developmental trajectories is crucial to improving Belgium’s football pipeline.
“We need to better understand what makes talented players succeed,” explains Arne. “If we identify these factors, we can ultimately allocate our resources better and get a higher return on our investment. That’s one of the driving ideas behind the RBFA-UGent Chair project. When it comes to talent detection, Prof. Mathieu Lenoir and his team have already proven a lot in Belgium but also in Europe and beyond. That’s how we ended up at Ghent University. With the additional support of Prof. Frederik Deconinck, we joined forces for the football talent collaborative R&D project.
Historically, talent identification in Belgian football has been largely based on subjective assessments, which can lead to biases and missed opportunities. The R&D project seeks to change that by integrating longitudinal data analysis, systematic evaluation methods, and technological innovations into the scouting and development process.
The power of data in player development
At the heart of this initiative is an advanced data collection system that provides clubs and federations with a clearer picture of a player’s potential. “I think both the scientific and practical innovation lies in longitudinal data and in a cross-sectional approach,” Laurens explains. “We’re creating a comprehensive framework that tracks everything from physical performance and technical skills to coordination and tactical awareness, ensuring consistent and long-term evaluation across generations.”
One of the challenges in data collection is ensuring continuity and quality. “There was already a lot of data available within the RBFA,” Laurens continues, “but when we examined it, we noticed significant gaps. That’s why we prioritized data hygiene, working with experts like Dr. Maarten Slembrouck and Prof. Steven Verstockt to refine our methodologies.”
Modern technology has also transformed how we monitor player development. Through partnerships with companies like SciSports, youth teams can now track detailed performance metrics—such as the number of successful passes, dribbles completed, and duels won. This data, combined with metadata like weather conditions, testing environments, and player availability, helps create a much more complete and objective picture of a player’s development over time.
“Pieces of the puzzle are constantly being added,” Arne explains, “but it’s important to think about how they are going to be used and properly implemented throughout the detection, selection, and decision-making process.”
Broadening the talent pool
A key challenge for Belgian football is its relatively small talent pool. “We need to be smarter and more innovative about how we develop talent,” says Arne. “This means fostering better collaboration between clubs and the national federation and keeping opportunities open for late bloomers.”
Many clubs tend to lock in their talent pools at a young age, limiting opportunities for players who develop later. “The Football Association’s Futures Program is a good example of how we can widen the talent pool again,” Laurens adds. “By creating more flexible entry points into the elite football pathway, we can ensure that more players get the opportunity to develop to their full potential.”
Combining science and experience
While data and technology are crucial, they are not the complete solution. “There’s no magic formula for identifying talent,” Arne emphasizes. “It’s always multifactorial. We need to combine objective data with the expert observations of experienced coaches.”
The project is helping clubs move towards a more systematic, evidence-based approach, while still preserving the invaluable role of human judgment. Regular knowledge-sharing sessions allow researchers and football professionals to exchange insights and refine best practices.
“The eye of the master will always be important,” Laurens notes. “Not everything in football can be quantified. Machine learning and objective data have limits, and human expertise remains irreplaceable. Our challenge is to harmonize the two—using technology to enhance rather than replace traditional scouting methods.”
Looking ahead: from research to real-world impact
For the football talent project to truly succeed, it must bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation. “We’re creating practical tools and guidelines that clubs can use,” Laurens explains. “But more importantly, we’re ensuring that our findings make a tangible impact on the field.”
The team is also focused on education and outreach. “We will share our insights in different formats, because repetition is key. E.g. through white papers, events, or coaching education,” says Arne. “Our goal is to equip coaches with the latest scientific findings and help them apply these insights in their day-to-day work.”
Belgium’s football structure presents unique challenges compared to countries like the Netherlands, where the KNVB has centralized control over talent development. “In Belgium, decision-making power is spread across multiple federations,” Laurens explains. “That’s why we need a strong Center of Excellence within the Football Association to act as a unifying force.”
Ultimately, the success of this project depends on effective collaboration and strategic implementation. “Getting the message out is one thing,” Arne concludes, “but making sure it’s embraced by clubs, federations, and decision-makers requires ongoing engagement and outreach. We must continually bridge the gap between science and practice.”
Through this innovative approach, Belgian football is positioning itself to nurture the next generation of Red Devils and Red Flames, combining scientific rigor with practical experience to create a more effective and inclusive talent development system.