Kenyan Lands Top Job at English Premier League Club Aston Villa
Naythan-Din Kariuki, a Kenyan professional, has been promoted to Lead Data Scout at Aston Villa, a top club in the English Premier League (EPL). The announcement came on Tuesday, March 11, marking a major career milestone for Naythan.
Rising Star in Football Recruitment
Naythan, the son of famous media personality Gina Din-Kariuki, shared the news on LinkedIn. He expressed his excitement about the promotion after working as a First Team Recruitment Analyst for nearly a year.
“Having been at Aston Villa Football Club for just under a year as a First Team Recruitment Analyst, I am really proud and honoured to say that I’ve been promoted to Lead Data Scout,” Naythan wrote.
Key Role in Aston Villa’s Recruitment Strategy
In his new role, Naythan will combine traditional scouting with data analysis to help Aston Villa sign top players. His work will be crucial as the club competes in both the EPL and European tournaments.
Football clubs rely on data scouts to make informed decisions in the transfer market. By using advanced analytics, they assess players’ performance, potential, and market value. Naythan’s expertise will ensure Aston Villa remains competitive in player recruitment.
Strong Academic and Professional Background
According to his LinkedIn profile, Naythan has a deep understanding of English and African football. He holds two postgraduate degrees in Sports Business & Leadership and Performance Analysis.
Before joining Aston Villa, he worked with Oxford United, AC Horsens, and Eden Sports Group in various analytical roles. In Kenya, he was a goalkeeper coach for Kariobangi Sharks in 2016 and co-founded East African Eye, a scouting and data service for emerging football talent in East Africa.
Aston Villa’s Strong Performance
Aston Villa is performing well this season. The club leads 3-1 on aggregate against Belgium’s Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Round of 16. In the EPL, they are eighth in the standings, just four points away from UCL qualification. Under coach Unai Emery, Villa continues to improve, with smart recruitment being a key factor in their success.
Other Kenyans in the English Premier League
Naythan is among the few Kenyans making a mark in the EPL. Tottenham defender Djed Spence, whose mother is Kenyan, is enjoying a strong season. Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama also had a successful career in England, playing for Southampton and Tottenham.
Naythan’s rise at Aston Villa is an inspiration to many young Africans looking to break into football management and data analysis at the highest level.
Kenyan Lands Top Job at English Premier League Club Aston Villa
