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. 2023 Oct;40(4):949-958.
doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2023.124847. Epub 2023 Feb 3.

Match running performance characterizing the most elite soccer match-play

Toni Modric  1 , Sime Versic  1 , Ryland Morgans  2 , Damir Sekulic  1   3
Affiliations

Match running performance characterizing the most elite soccer match-play

Toni Modric et al. Biol Sport. 2023 Oct.

Abstract

In order to identify match running performance (MRP) characterizing the most elite soccer match-play, this study aimed to examine position-specific differences in the MRP of players competing in "big five" (BFLTs) and "non-big five" league teams (N-BFLTs). The data were obtained from 24 teams (BFLTs; n = 14, N-BFLTs; n = 10) during the UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches (n = 20) in the 2020/21 season using a semiautomatic video system. The differences in MRP between BFLTs and N-BFLTs, while controlling for contextual factors, were examined using linear mixed model. No differences in overall MRP between fullbacks, central midfielders, wide midfielders and forwards from BFLTs and their peers from N-BFLTs were found, while only central defenders from BFLTs covered more high-intensity running than central defenders from BFLTs (moderate effects size). For players on all playing positions from BFLTs, total- and low-intensity distance covered were lower in offensive phase of game and greater in defensive phase of game compared to their peers from N-BFLTs (all large effect sizes). This study demonstrated that the most elite match-play in soccer is characterized by increased efforts in defensive phase of game, and decreased efforts in offensive phase of game. Soccer training programmes should be adapted accordingly.

Keywords: Big five league; Elite players; Football; Match analysis; Physical performance.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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