Physical Fitness of Elite Belgian Soccer Players by Player Position

Abstract

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 × 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 ± 4.6 cm and CMJ = 43.1 ± 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 ± 2.7 and 60.4 ± 2.8 ml · min(-1) · kg(-1), respectively) had a higher VO2max compared with the strikers, center backs, and goalkeepers (56.8 ± 3.1, 55.6 ± 3.5, and 52.1 ± 5.0 ml · min(-1) · kg(-1), 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.

The Compare of Oxygen Uptake Kinetics of Young Soccer Players According to Play Positions

“…These findings were similar to findings obtained by Rampinini et al (2010). Boone et al (2012) obtained that fullbacks and midfielders had higher VO2max values (61,2 ± 2,7 ml/kg/min; 60,4 ±2,8 ml/kg/min, respectively) than VO2max values of strikers (56,8 ± 3,1 ml/kg/min) centerbacks (55,6 ± 3,5 ml/kg/min) and goalkeepers (52,1 ± 5 ml/kg/min). The fullbacks and midfielders performed many efforts for positional roles as winning ball and tackling during match.…”

“…In terms of ta-95%VO2max values, findings of our study didn't report any significiant differences among playing positions without significiant difference between goalkeepers and centerbacks. In this regard, our study didn't agree with study of Boone et al (2012).…”

Anaerobic Performance Testing of Professional Soccer Players 1995–2010

“…[10][11][12][13][14][15] Davis et al 10 concluded that forwards were the fastest players, ahead of defenders, midfielders, and goalkeepers. Boone et al 11 reported differences in speed and countermovement jump (CMJ) according to playing position. Sporis et al 12 found differences in speed but not for CMJ, while Taskin 13 found no speed differences as a function of position.…”

Power assessment of lower limbs and strength asymmetry of soccer goalkeepers

“…Haughen, Tønnessen, and Seiler (2013) report significantly lower performance in countermovement jump (CMJ) test in midfielders by 5-6% compared to goalkeepers, forwards and defenders. Similarly, Boone, Vaeyens, Steyaert, Bossche, and Bourgois (2012) present significantly lower jump height in CMJ test in midfielders and full backs in comparison to goalkeepers, midfielders and forwards.…”