Kenyan analyst joins Aston Villa as Premier League club strengthens scouting team

Naythan Din-Kariuki. IMAGE/ Courtesy

Kenyan analyst joins Aston Villa as Premier League club strengthens scouting team

Festus Chuma 19:37 - 09.05.2024

A Kenyan football scout has joined Aston Villa as First Team Recruitment Analyst, bringing extensive expertise in data analysis and scouting.

Kenyan football scout and analyst Naythan Din-Kariuki has been appointed as the new First Team Recruitment Analyst at Aston Villa. 

The Premier League side recognized his expertise and experience after he made a notable impact at Oxford United FC, an English League One club, where he was previously stationed. 

Din-Kariuki's appointment is expected to boost Aston Villa's recruitment department, as he brings a wealth of skills in data analysis, administration, and technical scouting.

On his LinkedIn profile, Din-Kariuki highlighted his ability to make multifaceted contributions to recruitment departments, thanks to his extensive experience as a data analyst, technical scout, and administrator.

With a deep understanding of English Football League (EFL) and African football, he holds postgraduate degrees in Sports Business & Leadership from Loughborough University and Performance Analysis from Middlesex University.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s striker Ollie Watkins has been nominated for the Premier League's Player of the Season award. 

The 28-year-old has been exceptional, scoring 19 goals and providing 12 assists, ranking him among the league's top contributors in both categories.

 His prolific scoring ability, highlighted by a hat-trick against Brighton & Hove Albion and three braces throughout the campaign, makes him a strong contender.

Watkins faces stiff competition from other Premier League standouts, including Manchester City's Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, Chelsea's Cole Palmer, and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. 

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