PHYSICAL FITNESS OF ELITE BELGIAN SOCCER
PLAYERS BY PLAYER POSITION
JAN BOONE,1,2 ROEL VAEYENS,2 ADELHEID STEYAERT,1 LUC VANDEN BOSSCHE,1 AND JAN BOURGOIS1,2
1
Center of Sports Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; and 2Department of Movement and Sports Sciences,
Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
Boone, J, Vaeyens, R, Steyaert, A, Vanden Bossche, L, and
Bourgois, J. Physical fitness of elite Belgian soccer players by
player position. J Strength Cond Res 26(8): 2051–2057,
2012—The purpose of this study was to gain an insight into the
physical and physiological profile of elite Belgian soccer players
with specific regard to the player’s position on the field. The sample
consisted of 289 adult players from 6 different first division
teams. The players were divided into 5 subgroups (goalkeepers,
center backs, full backs, midfielders, and strikers) according to their
self-reported best position on the field. The subjects performed
anaerobic (10-m sprint, 5 3 10-m shuttle run [SR], squat jump
[SJ], and countermovement jump [CMJ]) and aerobic (incremental
running protocol) laboratory tests. The strikers had significantly
shorter sprinting times (5-, 5- to 10-m time, and SR) compared with
the midfielders, center backs, and goalkeepers, whereas the full
backs were also significantly faster compared with the goalkeepers
and the center backs. The goalkeepers and the center backs
displayed higher jumping heights (total mean SJ = 40.7 6 4.6 cm
and CMJ = 43.1 6 4.9 cm) compared with the other 3 positions,
whereas the strikers also jumped higher than the full backs and the
midfielders did. Regarding the aerobic performance, both full backs
and the midfielders (61.2 6 2.7 and 60.4 6 2.8 mlmin21kg21,
respectively) had a higher V_ O2max compared with the strikers,
center backs, and goalkeepers (56.8 6 3.1, 55.6 6 3.5, and
52.1 6 5.0 mlmin21kg21, respectively). From this study, it could
be concluded that players in different positions have different
physiological characteristics. The results of this study might provide
useful insights for individualized conditional training programs for
soccer players. Aside from the predominant technical and tactical
skills, a physical profile that is well adjusted to the position on the
field might enhance game performance.
S
KEY WORDS aerobic performance, anaerobic performance,
physiological profile, anthropometry
Address correspondence to Jan Boone, [email protected].
26(8)/2051–2057
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Ó 2012 National Strength and Conditioning Association
occer as it is played today is a physical activity that
requires a high level of conditioning in addition to
proficient technical and tactical skills. The game can
be characterized as a predominant aerobic exercise
combined with frequent intermittent short intense actions
with a high rate of the anaerobic energy turnover. Reports of
match analyses revealed that elite soccer players generally
cover 9,500–12,000 m during a 90-minute game
(4,8,14,18,24). Approximately 40% of this distance consists
of high-intensity running (.14.0 kmh21) with or without the
ball (18) and 1–11% of sprinting (.19 kmh21) (14). These
sprinting exercises of short duration lead to a high rate of
creatine phosphate breakdown, which is resynthesized
afterward during the following lower intensity periods (3).
The speed of this recovery depends on the power of the
aerobic metabolism (V_ O2max) (20,21). The average work
intensity of a soccer game is close to the anaerobic threshold
(i.e., the highest exercise intensity at which the removal of
lactate equals its production) at a heart rate (HR) of
approximately 85% HRpeak (3,12). Based on the linear
relationship between the HR and oxygen uptake obtained
during an incremental treadmill exercise test, this HR
corresponds to an average oxygen uptake of 75% V_ O2max (23).
Despite the soccer game being dependent predominantly on
the aerobic metabolism, it should be argued that the most
decisive actions are covered by means of the anaerobic
metabolism (i.e., sprinting, jumping, etc.). The intermittent
character of a soccer game results in a subsequence of highintensity activities with an accumulation of lactate and
periods of low intensity during which the removal of lactate
can take place. During a soccer game, the blood lactate
concentration generally varies between 2 and 10 mmolL21
(1,8,13). This indicates that the overall intensity of the
game is rather high stimulating the energy turnover through
the anaerobic glycolysis and also that the measured lactate
concentration depends highly on the actions preceding
the blood sampling. These game characteristics (and the
technical and tactical requirements) impose that the physical
performance of elite soccer players is based on the
combination of endurance, speed, agility, and strength.
Soccer players therefore are bound to have both a high
power and capacity of the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism
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Physical Profile of Elite Belgian Soccer Players
to be able to perform at the highest level. The combined
importance of these physical determinants is specific to
soccer, and in this way, soccer training needs to be well
balanced and structured to optimize the player performance
without inducing overreaching and overtraining.
It should be noted, however, that the physiologic and
metabolic demands of a soccer game have to be seen in
view of the player’s position. It has been reported that
midfielders cover 5–15% more total distance compared with
the fullbacks, forwards, and center backs and even 20–40%
more distance at high intensity compared with the forwards
and center backs. Forwards and full backs spent 20–40%
more time sprinting compared with the midfielders and
center backs (4,6,7,14,17). The results of these studies show
that the different positions on the field are characterized by
specific physical activities and demands. Next to motion
analysis to obtain information on the physiological demands
of a soccer game, laboratory and field measurements might
be useful to evaluate the physiological characteristics of
the players in reflection to the specific demands of the
different positions on the field. The aim of this study was to
test whether a laboratory test battery could distinguish
these specific characteristics between players from various
positions on the field. In this way, this study could contribute to identify the physical profile (i.e., strengths and
weaknesses) of the players conform their position on the
field and facilitate the individualization of training. It should
be noted that the physical profile, next to technical and
tactical skills, is an important determinant for the level of
a player. Several motion analysis studies have shown that
the level of player influences the activity pattern on the field.
High-level players not only cover a higher total distance
but they also perform a higher amount of high-intensity
activities (12,14) during a soccer game compared with
players of a lower level. Therefore, the individualization
of training, based on the position on the field and the
individual weaknesses, is important for enhancing performance during a soccer game. In line with the content of this
study Sporis et al. (22) determined the fitness profile of elite
Croatian soccer players. It was observed that the anthropometric features and the aerobic and anaerobic performance differed among the different playing positions. In
this study, the physical profile of Belgian elite soccer
players incorporating the anthropometric characteristics
and aerobic and anaerobic performance was examined.
Furthermore, we wanted to acquire an insight into whether
the physical profile of the players varied according to the
different positions on the field. Based on the abovementioned motion analysis studies (e.g., [4,6]), we hypothesized
that the aerobic characteristics would be more dominant
in the midfielders and the fullbacks compared with the
forwards, whereas the forwards and the defenders would
display a higher anaerobic power and capacity inherent
to the specific characteristics and demands of the different
positions on the field.
2052
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METHODS
Experimental Approach to the Problem
To allow the extrapolation of the results in this study (i.e.,
physical and physiological profile) into the training practice of
elite soccer players and teams throughout the world, one of
the main conditions is that a representative group of players is
used. Therefore, a large (n = 289) subject group was tested
consisting of elite soccer players in the Belgian first division
(championship level). Among this test group, 41 players had
also been selected to play in the National Team of their
country. Respectively, 11 and 9 players were active in the
World Championship of 2006 in Germany and 2010 in
South Africa. To obtain an insight into the physical and
physiological profile, the subjects completed a battery of both
laboratory-based anaerobic and aerobic tests. The anaerobic
tests incorporated both sprint and jump tests in line with the
anaerobic movements inherent to the soccer game. To
examine reactivity and speed, a 10-m sprint was performed,
whereas the agility was tested by means of a 5 3 10-m shuttle
run (SR). The jump test consisted of a squat jump (SJ) and
a countermovement jump (CMJ) to obtain information on
specific jump strength (explosive power). In addition to the
anaerobic tests, the subject performed an incremental
running test to examine the aerobic performance and
running speed at the anaerobic threshold. A large subject
group was used to obtain a sufficient number of players for
each position on the field so that a reliable representation of
the physical and physiological profile of the elite Belgian
soccer player could be made.
Subjects
The test group consisted of 289 professional soccer players (age:
25.4 6 4.9 years) active in the Belgian first division between
2003 and 2010. The subjects played in 1 of the 6 teams, which
attended the Laboratory of Exercise Physiology of the Centre of
Sports Medicine of the Ghent University Hospital (Ghent,
Belgium) for the physical tests in the preseason phase. Three of
the 6 teams finished in the 8 seasons between 2003 and 2010 at
least 6 times among the 5 best teams in the first division and
were, therefore, also active in the Champions League or Europa
League/Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)
Cup. The subjects were divided into 5 groups according to their
self-reported best position on the field: center backs (n = 60),
full backs (n = 82), midfielders (n = 68), strikers (n = 62), and
goalkeepers (n = 17). This study had the approval of the
Ethical Committee of the Ghent University Hospital, Ghent,
Belgium. All the participants were fully informed about the
nature and demands of the study, and the known health risks.
They completed a health history questionnaire, signed an
informed consent document, and were informed that they
could withdraw from the study at any time.
Experimental Protocol
The physical tests were performed 2–4 weeks before the start
of the season. In this period, the club training consisted mainly
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of specific soccer training sessions with occasionally a basic
running training. The subjects were asked to abstain from
strenuous exercise 24 hours before the tests. The tests were
performed between 8.30 AM and 5 PM. The experimental
protocol consisted of 4 parts: anthropometric measurements,
sprint tests, jump tests, and an incremental running test on
a treadmill. It took approximately 90 minutes for 1 subject to
complete the entire test battery. Throughout the tests, the
subjects were clearly instructed about the procedures, and
they were verbally encouraged to give their maximal effort.
During the whole testing battery, the laboratory was air
conditioned at a temperature of 21° C. It took approximately
90 minutes for the subjects to complete the entire testing
battery. The subjects were wearing a standard soccer kit.
(11). At the end of each step, a blood sample was taken from
the fingertip to determine the concentration of lactate in the
blood by means of a lactate analyzer (1500 Sport, YSI,
Yellow Springs, OH, USA). When the blood lactate
concentration had passed the threshold of 4 mmolL21,
the subjects had to perform a final step to exhaustion in
which the speed was increased by 1 kmh21, but the slope of
the treadmill was increased 0.5% each 30 seconds until
volitional fatigue. The subjects were encouraged verbally to
obtain the individual’s maximal effort. During the test, the
oxygen uptake was registered by means of a metabolic
measurement system (Jaeger Oxycon Pro, Hochenhausen,
Germany). The Jaeger Oxycon Pro and the Lactate analyzer
were calibrated before each exercise test.
Anthropometry. Before the physical tests, body height (60.1 cm),
body weight (60.1 kg) (Seca balance), and body fat percentage
of the subjects were determined. The fat percentage was
calculated by means of measurements of skinfold thickness
using a Harpenden skinfold caliper. The skinfolds were
measured at 10 locations (15). Two experienced test leaders
assessed the anthropometric measurements throughout the
entire study.
Statistical Analyses
Sprint Exercise. The sprint exercise consisted of 2 different
exercises. First, the subjects had to sprint for 10 m with the
time recorded electronically by light sensors at both 5 and
10 m (Ergo Tester, Globus, Italy). An auditory cue was used as
a starting signal for the subjects. This exercise was performed
twice, and the best result was retained for data analysis. In the
second test, the subjects performed an SR in which the
subjects had to run 5 times 10 m as fast as possible. The same
auditory cue was used for the 10-m sprint. The subjects had to
cross the 10-m marks with 1 foot while turning. The first test
was used both to obtain information about both the reaction
time and the starting speed (explosiveness) of the players,
whereas the second test was used to evaluate their agility in
combination with speed.
Jump Exercise. After the sprint tests, the subjects performed
the SJ and the CMJ. They performed both jumps without arm
movement (i.e., with the hands in the hips). For the SJ, the
subjects took a deep position with a knee angle of 90°. The
flexion of the hips could be chosen freely. The subjects
remained in this position for 3 seconds. In the CMJ, the
subjects were instructed to jump as high as possible without
further guidelines concerning knee and hip angles. Each jump
test was performed twice. The best result was recorded for
data analysis. The jumping height was calculated from the
flight height from the jumping mat measured with the Ergo
Tester (Globus).
Incremental Running Test. The incremental exercise consisted
of steps of 3 minutes starting from a speed of 8 kmh21, and
the speed was increased with 2 kmh21 after each step.
During the test, the slope of the treadmill was set at 1.5%
Sprint Exercise. The time at 5 m was used as a parameter of
reaction time and explosiveness, whereas the difference
between the time at 5 and 10 m was considered as a measure
of speed. The time for the SR was used as a measure for speed
and agility.
Jump Exercise. The jumping heights for the squat and CMJs
were used as a measure of anaerobic power.
Incremental Running Test. The peak performance was determined as the maximal speed (Vmax) and slope (Smax) that
could be maintained for the full 30 seconds in the final step.
The maximal oxygen uptake (V_ O2max) was determined as
the highest 30-second average of the breath-by-breath
values obtained from the metabolic measurement system.
The anaerobic threshold was determined at a lactate
concentration of 4 mmolL21 (9) and was expressed as
a speed in kilometers per hour (VAnT).
The Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS 15.0
(SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for the statistical
analysis. For the 5 positions, descriptive statistics (mean
values 6 SD) were calculated for height, weight, fat
percentage, V_ O2max, VAnT, and 5m- and 10-m times, SR, SJ,
and CMJ. These parameters were compared between
the 5 positions by means of a Repeated Measures analysis
of variance (5 3 1). If the analysis of variance (ANOVA)
was significant, Tukey post hoc tests were performed. The
reliability of the anaerobic sprint and jump tests was
determined by means of the test-retest method. The
reliability analysis (Cronbach alpha) and intraclass correlation coefficients showed that these anaerobic tests
were highly reliable. The reliability coefficients (alpha)
were respectively 0.91, 0.92, 0.88, 0.90, 0.89 for the 5-m
times, 10-m times, SR, SJ, and CMJ, respectively. Also, the
ICCs for the 5-m times (0.88), 10-m times (0.90), SR (0.81),
SJ (0.87), and CMJ (0.84) confirm the reliability of the tests.
Before setting the significance level, a power analysis was
performed. This analysis revealed a statistical power of
0.94, and therefore, a significance level of p , 0.05 could
be used.
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Physical Profile of Elite Belgian Soccer Players
TABLE 1. Mean 6 SD height, weight, and body fat 6 SD for the 5 different positions on the field.
Height (cm)
Weight (kg)
Body fat (%)
Goalkeepers
Center backs
Full backs
Midfielders
Strikers
188.2 6 4.5*
84.2 6 5.2*
15.5 6 4.1*
186.4 6 4.3*
82.5 6 5.0*
10.9 6 1.7†
179.3 6 4.8†
73.4 6 6.4†
10.4 6 1.6†
181.3 6 4.1†‡
76.7 6 5.1†‡
11.0 6 1.7†
183.5 6 6.7*‡
78.6 6 4.8†‡
10.1 6 1.9†
The labels, *, †, ‡, are used to show significant differences between the 5 positions. The same label indicates that the parameter did
not differ between the positions. Positions with a different label differ significantly. p , 0.05 was used as the level of significance.
RESULTS
Anthropometry
The overall mean height and weight of the subjects were
182.4 6 6.0 cm and 77.4 6 7.1 kg, respectively, with a mean
body fat percentage of 11.0 6 2.5% (Table 1). The ANOVA
revealed that the goalkeepers and center backs were
taller and heavier compared with the full backs and
midfielders (p , 0.05). The height of the strikers did not
differ significantly from the goalkeepers (p = 0.67) and
defenders (p = 0.54), but on average, the former had
a lower weight (p , 0.05). The body fat percentage was
significantly higher in the goalkeepers compared with the
4 other positions (p , 0.05).
Anaerobic Performance
The parameters of the anaerobic performance are presented in
Table 2. The mean time for the 5 m, as a measure of reaction
time and explosiveness, in the total subject group was 1.46 6
0.07 seconds. The 5-m time was significantly lower in the
strikers compared with the goalkeepers (p = 0.03), defenders
(p , 0.01), and midfielders (p = 0.04). Also, the full backs had
a faster time compared with that of the defenders. The mean
time between the 5- and the 10-m mark was 0.75 6 0.06
seconds. The strikers displayed a significantly lower time
compared with that of the goalkeepers (p , 0.001), defenders
(p , 0.01), and midfielders (p = 0.03). For the SR (5 3 10 m),
the overall mean time was 12.20 6 0.39 seconds. The strikers
were significantly faster than the goalkeepers (p , 0.01),
defenders (p , 0.01), and full backs (p = 0.02), whereas the
midfielders were faster than the goalkeepers (p = 0.02) and
center backs (p , 0.001).
The mean jump heights for the SJ and the CMJ were 40.7 6
4.6 and 43.1 6 4.9 cm, respectively. The statistical analysis
revealed that the goalkeepers and the center backs had a higher
jumping height compared with the full backs (p , 0.001) and
the midfielders (p , 0.01). Also the forwards had a higher CMJ
height compared with the full backs (p =0.03) and the
midfielders (p = 0.03).
Aerobic Performance
The parameters of the aerobic performance are presented in
Table 3. The mean peak performance for the incremental
exercise test was 15.6 kmh21 with a slope of 4.4%. The mean
V_ O2max for the total subject group was 57.7 6 4.7
mlmin21kg21, and the mean running speed at the level of
the anaerobic threshold (4 mmolL21) was 13.7 6 1.1 kmh21.
The full backs and the midfielders had a higher V_ O2max and
VAnT compared with the strikers (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02,
respectively) and center backs (p , 0.01), which in turn had
a higher V_ O2max and VAnT than the goalkeepers (p = 0.03).
The maximal blood lactate value at the end of the incremental
running test was on average 9.6 6 1.6 mmolL21, and this
value did not differ between the 5 positions (p . 0.05).
TABLE 2. Mean 6 SD 5-m time, 10- to 5-m time, SR, SJ, and CMJ 6 SD for the 5 different positions on the field.*
Goalkeepers
5 m (s)
10–5 m (s)
SR (s)
SJ (cm)
CMJ (cm)
1.46 6 0.07†‡
0.76 6 0.06†‡
12.32 6 0.44†‡
42.2 6 2.9*†§
45.6 6 2.6†
Center backs
1.48
0.77
12.53
42.4
46.0
6 0.06†
6 0.04†
6 0.41†
6 4.2†§
6 4.1†
Full backs
1.45
0.74
12.22
38.6
41.0
6 0.04‡§
6 0.05‡§
6 0.37‡§
6 2.8‡
6 3.8‡
Midfielders
1.46
0.75
12.09
39.4
41.4
6 0.06†‡
6 0.05†‡
6 0.30§k
6 3.0‡§
6 3.7‡
Strikers
1.43 6 0.04§
0.72 6 0.04§
12.01 6 0.25k
41.2 6 4.2†§
44.2 6 4.2†
*SR = shuttle run; SJ = squat jump; CMJ = countermovement jump.
The labels, †, ‡, §, k, are used to show significant differences between the 5 positions. The same label indicates that the parameter
did not differ between the positions. Positions with a different label differ significantly. p , 0.05 was used as the level of significance.
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TABLE 3. Mean 6 SD V_ O2max, speed at the anaerobic threshold (VAnT), and lactate concentration at the end of the
incremental running test 6 SD for the 5 different positions on the field.
V_ O2max (mlmin21kg21)
VAnT (kmh21)
[Lactate] (mmolL21)
Goalkeepers
Center backs
Full backs
Midfielders
Strikers
52.1 6 5.0*
12.7 6 1.4*
9.3 6 2.2*
55.6 6 3.5†
13.4 6 0.6†
9.8 6 2.7*
61.2 6 2.7‡
14.4 6 0.7†
9.1 6 3.0*
60.4 6 2.8‡
14.2 6 0.6‡
9.6 6 1.7*
56.8 6 3.1†
13.6 6 0.7†
9.6 6 2.3*
The labels, *, †, ‡, were used to point significant differences between the 5 positions. The same label indicates that the parameter did
not differ between the positions. Positions with a different label differ significantly. p , 0.05 was used as the level of significance.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of this study was to gain an insight into the
general fitness level of elite soccer players active in the Belgian
first division. A large subject population was tested for
anthropometric characteristics and for anaerobic and anaerobic performance. Furthermore, we wanted to test whether
these different aspects of the general fitness level would vary
according to the position of the player of the field. As
hypothesized, the results of this study clearly show that the
anthropometric, physical and physiological characteristics
differ according to the specific demands inherent to the
position on the field.
The V_ O2max that is reported in the literature varies in
general between 55 and 65 mlmin21kg21 for elite soccer
players (8,10,16,22). The mean V_ O2max of the elite soccer
players in this study (57.7 6 4.7 mlmin21kg21) was in line
with these studies. The differences between the studies can
be attributed to the experimental protocol (i.e., protocol of
the incremental exercise, metabolic measurement system,
etc.), the testing period with respect to the phase in the
season or the level of the players. In this context, it should
be noted that the Belgian competition is not among the
strongest in Europe. However, considering the performances
in the Champions League and Champions League and
Europa League (formerly known as UEFA Cup), the level of
the Belgian competition (ranked 14th in the UEFA country
ranking) is very comparable (or even stronger compared) to
Croatia (22nd) (22), Norway (27th) (10), and Sweden (24th)
(8). Compared with the aforementioned studies, the
performance in the squat and CMJ was slightly lower (on
average 3 cm) in this study. It should be noted, however, that
the mean age of the subject group in this study was lower
(25.4 6 4.9 years) in comparison with most other studies in
which the mean age is approximately 28 years. This might
explain the lower anaerobic performance (SJ and CMJ)
compared with other studies. Soccer players are generally at
their peak performance at the age of 27–30 years, and
therefore, the subjects in our test group have a few more
years to develop their explosiveness and strength.
The position of the goalkeeper on the soccer pitch requires
relatively low demands from the aerobic energy metabolism.
The goalkeeper generally covers about 4 km during a soccer
game (19), and most of his actions are determined predominantly by the anaerobic power, that is, jumping and
sprinting. In this study, the goalkeepers had a significantly
lower V_ O2max and performance at the anaerobic threshold
compared with the other positions. On the other hand, they
exert a high anaerobic power, especially during the jumping
test. In combination with their body size, goalkeepers are on
average the tallest players in the team, and they have a high
reach and they can cover a large part of the goal, which is
necessary to efficiently avoid the opponent to score. In this
study, the goalkeepers also had a higher body fat percentage
compared with that of the other positions. This can probably
be attributed to the lower amount of aerobic training. The
average sprinting performance might also be in part related
to the higher body fat percentage. Also, the proportional
contribution of strength and sprint training in the training
regime of goalkeeper, with an important role for strength
training with an increase in muscle mass as a consequence,
might attribute to the average speed and agility.
With regard to the field players, the center backs generally
cover the shortest distance (14,17). The center backs need
strong positional play with a good headplay. They perform
a smaller number of explosive sprint movements during soccer
games. Generally, they play only a minor role in the support
of the attack, and they only move to the front for the corner
kicks or the free kicks. According to the present data, their
physiological profile is in line with these specific positional
demands. Apart from the goalkeeper, they not only have
the lowest V_ O2max and running speed at the anaerobic
threshold, but their anaerobic sprint performance and agility
are also rather low. This is in line with the findings of other
studies with elite soccer players (2,22). The lower sprint and
agility performance is probably because of the large body size,
which hinders the sudden changes in direction during the SR
and in extension on the pitch. Their anaerobic power for
jumping is higher compared with the other positions, and in
combination with their body size, this benefits their headplay,
which is an important part of the defensive skills.
The midfielders and full backs generally cover the largest
distance during a soccer game, on average 10.5–11.5 km
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Physical Profile of Elite Belgian Soccer Players
(3,4,8). These players have both defensive and offensive tasks
including frequent movements up and down the field.
Therefore, this requires a well-developed aerobic capacity.
Similar to other studies (2,22), this study revealed that these
players had the highest aerobic power and performance at
the anaerobic threshold compared with the other positions.
In this study, it was observed that the full backs had a slightly
higher sprinting ability (i.e., 5 and 10 m) but appeared to
have a lower agility compared with that of the midfielders.
Although the full backs predominantly need explosiveness
and speed to pass an opponent along the line, midfielders
need to be able to change directions more appropriately and
to accelerate with changes in direction. The specific
characteristics in response to these specific demands of the
full back and midfielder position appear to be present in the
physical profile of the players, although the differences were
not significant. In addition, the jumping performance was
slightly higher in the midfielders, which more frequently
need to use their headplay compared with the full back.
The strikers have higher aerobic capacities (V_ O2max and
VAnT) compared with the goalkeepers and defenders but
lower compared with the full backs and midfielders. This is
in line with the covered distance during a soccer game
(9.5–10 km), which is higher than that of the defenders but
lower than that of the midfielders. Attackers will cover a large
amount of the total distance using short sprints, and they
need a high explosiveness and speed to be able to pass the
defenders. In this study, the strikers had the fastest sprinting
times and the best agility. In contrast to the study of Sporis
et al. (22), the defenders in our study were significantly slower
compared with the strikers. This can probably be attributed
to the classification of the position of the field. In our study,
the full backs were separated from the central defenders.
Because the full backs are faster than the central defenders,
this might have influenced the results in the study of
Sporis et al. (22). The strikers also had a higher jumping
performance compared with that of the midfielders and the
full backs but lower compared with the defenders. Strikers
need a strong jumping ability to be able to control the long
pass from the defenders or to head the ball through or back
to one of his teammates. Therefore, strikers need a high
anaerobic sprint performance and also need a relatively
high aerobic performance in combination with a relatively
high anaerobic jumping performance.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
This study contributes to the literature on the physical and
physiological profile of soccer players, especially in regard to
the elite level of the subjects in combination with the large
sample size. In a recent study of Sporis et al. (22), a similar
research was performed in elite Croatian football players.
In this study, however, only 4 different positions were
considered, that is, goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and
forwards. It should be noted, however, that the position of
a full back is characterized by different physical demands
2056
the
compared with a center back (7). Therefore, in our opinion,
the position of the full back should be considered as
a separate position on the field beside the center backs,
especially because it was observed in this study that the
fitness profile of a full back more closely resembles that of
a midfielder. The information of this study, reporting the
physiological profile of elite soccer players, can be useful for
the training staff into the optimization of the training process
to maximize the performance level specific for the role of the
player in the team. Furthermore, in team sports, where there
is a tendency for early specialization concerning the position
on the field, these physiological profiles can be used in the
selection of a player for a position and for the development of
specific training programs based on the important characteristics of the position of the field. It should be noted that
motion analysis of soccer games was not included in our
study. This motion analysis provides important information
on the physical characteristics of a soccer game especially
with regard to the different positions on the field. However,
the disadvantage of these match data is that these measures
are performed in a situation that strongly depends on the
strength of the own team and of the opponent, tactical
gameplay, and weather conditions (4,5,12,18). The measures
performed in this on the other hand are conducted in
a standard situation following strict guidelines, and therefore,
these measures provide valuable insights into the physical
characteristics of the players. The combination of both
laboratory measures and motion analysis on the field could
provide important additional information on the physical
demands of the positions on the field and on the main factors
that determine the individual performance.
From this study, it could be concluded that the physical
profile of the elite soccer players in the Belgian competition is
specific inherent to the specific demands of the position on
the field. It is not clear, however, whether the process of
obtaining a specific position on the field is a matter of natural
selection, based not only on the physical profile but also on
technical-tactical skills, team cohesiveness and even match
performance, or whether the specific physical profile is
a consequence of the specific demands of the position itself
which the player has grown into. In the modern game of
soccer, however, it is clear that adult players need to be
trained specifically according to their position on the field to
optimize the performance of the team. The physical profile
provided in this study can help the coaches in identifying the
physical characteristics, which are important for the different
positions to optimize the training and performance of each
individual player. On the other hand, the physical profile can
also help the coaches to direct younger players to the position
that corresponds best to their physical profile.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The results of this study do not constitute endorsement of
the product by the authors or the National Strength and
TM
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Copyright © National Strength and Conditioning Association Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
the
TM
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Conditioning Association. This research was performed
without fundings.
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