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

S
Boone, J, Vaeyens, R, Steyaert, A, Vanden Bossche, L, and occer as it is played today is a physical activity that
Bourgois, J. Physical fitness of elite Belgian soccer players by requires a high level of conditioning in addition to
player position. J Strength Cond Res 26(8): 20512057, proficient technical and tactical skills. The game can
2012The purpose of this study was to gain an insight into the be characterized as a predominant aerobic exercise
physical and physiological profile of elite Belgian soccer players
combined with frequent intermittent short intense actions
with a high rate of the anaerobic energy turnover. Reports of
with specific regard to the players position on the field. The sample
match analyses revealed that elite soccer players generally
consisted of 289 adult players from 6 different first division
cover 9,50012,000 m during a 90-minute game
teams. The players were divided into 5 subgroups (goalkeepers,
(4,8,14,18,24). Approximately 40% of this distance consists
center backs, full backs, midfielders, and strikers) according to their of high-intensity running (.14.0 kmh21) with or without the
self-reported best position on the field. The subjects performed ball (18) and 111% of sprinting (.19 kmh21) (14). These
anaerobic (10-m sprint, 5 3 10-m shuttle run [SR], squat jump sprinting exercises of short duration lead to a high rate of
[SJ], and countermovement jump [CMJ]) and aerobic (incremental creatine phosphate breakdown, which is resynthesized
running protocol) laboratory tests. The strikers had significantly afterward during the following lower intensity periods (3).
shorter sprinting times (5-, 5- to 10-m time, and SR) compared with The speed of this recovery depends on the power of the
the midfielders, center backs, and goalkeepers, whereas the full aerobic metabolism (V_ O2max) (20,21). The average work
backs were also significantly faster compared with the goalkeepers intensity of a soccer game is close to the anaerobic threshold
and the center backs. The goalkeepers and the center backs (i.e., the highest exercise intensity at which the removal of
displayed higher jumping heights (total mean SJ = 40.7 6 4.6 cm lactate equals its production) at a heart rate (HR) of
approximately 85% HRpeak (3,12). Based on the linear
and CMJ = 43.1 6 4.9 cm) compared with the other 3 positions,
relationship between the HR and oxygen uptake obtained
whereas the strikers also jumped higher than the full backs and the
during an incremental treadmill exercise test, this HR
midfielders did. Regarding the aerobic performance, both full backs
corresponds to an average oxygen uptake of 75% V_ O2max (23).
and the midfielders (61.2 6 2.7 and 60.4 6 2.8 mlmin21kg21, Despite the soccer game being dependent predominantly on
respectively) had a higher V_ O2max compared with the strikers, the aerobic metabolism, it should be argued that the most
center backs, and goalkeepers (56.8 6 3.1, 55.6 6 3.5, and decisive actions are covered by means of the anaerobic
52.1 6 5.0 mlmin21kg21, respectively). From this study, it could metabolism (i.e., sprinting, jumping, etc.). The intermittent
be concluded that players in different positions have different character of a soccer game results in a subsequence of high-
physiological characteristics. The results of this study might provide intensity activities with an accumulation of lactate and
useful insights for individualized conditional training programs for periods of low intensity during which the removal of lactate
soccer players. Aside from the predominant technical and tactical can take place. During a soccer game, the blood lactate
skills, a physical profile that is well adjusted to the position on the concentration generally varies between 2 and 10 mmolL21
field might enhance game performance. (1,8,13). This indicates that the overall intensity of the
game is rather high stimulating the energy turnover through
KEY WORDS aerobic performance, anaerobic performance, the anaerobic glycolysis and also that the measured lactate
physiological profile, anthropometry concentration depends highly on the actions preceding
the blood sampling. These game characteristics (and the
technical and tactical requirements) impose that the physical
Address correspondence to Jan Boone, Jan.boone@ugent.be. performance of elite soccer players is based on the
26(8)/20512057 combination of endurance, speed, agility, and strength.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Soccer players therefore are bound to have both a high
2012 National Strength and Conditioning Association 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 METHODS

importance of these physical determinants is specific to Experimental Approach to the Problem
soccer, and in this way, soccer training needs to be well To allow the extrapolation of the results in this study (i.e.,
balanced and structured to optimize the player performance physical and physiological profile) into the training practice of
without inducing overreaching and overtraining. elite soccer players and teams throughout the world, one of
It should be noted, however, that the physiologic and
the main conditions is that a representative group of players is
metabolic demands of a soccer game have to be seen in
used. Therefore, a large (n = 289) subject group was tested
view of the players position. It has been reported that consisting of elite soccer players in the Belgian first division
midfielders cover 515% more total distance compared with (championship level). Among this test group, 41 players had
the fullbacks, forwards, and center backs and even 2040% also been selected to play in the National Team of their
more distance at high intensity compared with the forwards country. Respectively, 11 and 9 players were active in the
and center backs. Forwards and full backs spent 2040% World Championship of 2006 in Germany and 2010 in
more time sprinting compared with the midfielders and South Africa. To obtain an insight into the physical and
center backs (4,6,7,14,17). The results of these studies show
physiological profile, the subjects completed a battery of both
that the different positions on the field are characterized by
laboratory-based anaerobic and aerobic tests. The anaerobic
specific physical activities and demands. Next to motion tests incorporated both sprint and jump tests in line with the
analysis to obtain information on the physiological demands anaerobic movements inherent to the soccer game. To
of a soccer game, laboratory and field measurements might examine reactivity and speed, a 10-m sprint was performed,
be useful to evaluate the physiological characteristics of whereas the agility was tested by means of a 5 3 10-m shuttle
the players in reflection to the specific demands of the run (SR). The jump test consisted of a squat jump (SJ) and
different positions on the field. The aim of this study was to a countermovement jump (CMJ) to obtain information on
test whether a laboratory test battery could distinguish
specific jump strength (explosive power). In addition to the
these specific characteristics between players from various
anaerobic tests, the subject performed an incremental
positions on the field. In this way, this study could con- running test to examine the aerobic performance and
tribute to identify the physical profile (i.e., strengths and running speed at the anaerobic threshold. A large subject
weaknesses) of the players conform their position on the group was used to obtain a sufficient number of players for
field and facilitate the individualization of training. It should each position on the field so that a reliable representation of
be noted that the physical profile, next to technical and the physical and physiological profile of the elite Belgian
tactical skills, is an important determinant for the level of soccer player could be made.
a player. Several motion analysis studies have shown that
the level of player influences the activity pattern on the field. Subjects
High-level players not only cover a higher total distance The test group consisted of 289 professional soccer players (age:
but they also perform a higher amount of high-intensity 25.4 6 4.9 years) active in the Belgian first division between
activities (12,14) during a soccer game compared with 2003 and 2010. The subjects played in 1 of the 6 teams, which
players of a lower level. Therefore, the individualization attended the Laboratory of Exercise Physiology of the Centre of
of training, based on the position on the field and the Sports Medicine of the Ghent University Hospital (Ghent,
individual weaknesses, is important for enhancing perfor- Belgium) for the physical tests in the preseason phase. Three of
mance during a soccer game. In line with the content of this the 6 teams finished in the 8 seasons between 2003 and 2010 at
study Sporis et al. (22) determined the fitness profile of elite least 6 times among the 5 best teams in the first division and
Croatian soccer players. It was observed that the anthro- were, therefore, also active in the Champions League or Europa
pometric features and the aerobic and anaerobic perfor- League/Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)
mance differed among the different playing positions. In Cup. The subjects were divided into 5 groups according to their
this study, the physical profile of Belgian elite soccer self-reported best position on the field: center backs (n = 60),
players incorporating the anthropometric characteristics full backs (n = 82), midfielders (n = 68), strikers (n = 62), and
and aerobic and anaerobic performance was examined. goalkeepers (n = 17). This study had the approval of the
Furthermore, we wanted to acquire an insight into whether Ethical Committee of the Ghent University Hospital, Ghent,
the physical profile of the players varied according to the Belgium. All the participants were fully informed about the
different positions on the field. Based on the abovemen- nature and demands of the study, and the known health risks.
tioned motion analysis studies (e.g., [4,6]), we hypothesized They completed a health history questionnaire, signed an
that the aerobic characteristics would be more dominant informed consent document, and were informed that they
in the midfielders and the fullbacks compared with the could withdraw from the study at any time.
forwards, whereas the forwards and the defenders would
display a higher anaerobic power and capacity inherent Experimental Protocol
to the specific characteristics and demands of the different The physical tests were performed 24 weeks before the start
positions on the field. of the season. In this period, the club training consisted mainly
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of specific soccer training sessions with occasionally a basic (11). At the end of each step, a blood sample was taken from
running training. The subjects were asked to abstain from the fingertip to determine the concentration of lactate in the
strenuous exercise 24 hours before the tests. The tests were blood by means of a lactate analyzer (1500 Sport, YSI,
performed between 8.30 AM and 5 PM. The experimental Yellow Springs, OH, USA). When the blood lactate
protocol consisted of 4 parts: anthropometric measurements, concentration had passed the threshold of 4 mmolL21,
sprint tests, jump tests, and an incremental running test on the subjects had to perform a final step to exhaustion in
a treadmill. It took approximately 90 minutes for 1 subject to which the speed was increased by 1 kmh21, but the slope of
complete the entire test battery. Throughout the tests, the the treadmill was increased 0.5% each 30 seconds until
subjects were clearly instructed about the procedures, and volitional fatigue. The subjects were encouraged verbally to
they were verbally encouraged to give their maximal effort. obtain the individuals maximal effort. During the test, the
During the whole testing battery, the laboratory was air oxygen uptake was registered by means of a metabolic
conditioned at a temperature of 21 C. It took approximately measurement system (Jaeger Oxycon Pro, Hochenhausen,
90 minutes for the subjects to complete the entire testing Germany). The Jaeger Oxycon Pro and the Lactate analyzer
battery. The subjects were wearing a standard soccer kit. were calibrated before each exercise test.

Anthropometry. Before the physical tests, body height (60.1 cm), Statistical Analyses
body weight (60.1 kg) (Seca balance), and body fat percentage Sprint Exercise. The time at 5 m was used as a parameter of
of the subjects were determined. The fat percentage was reaction time and explosiveness, whereas the difference
calculated by means of measurements of skinfold thickness between the time at 5 and 10 m was considered as a measure
using a Harpenden skinfold caliper. The skinfolds were of speed. The time for the SR was used as a measure for speed
measured at 10 locations (15). Two experienced test leaders and agility.
assessed the anthropometric measurements throughout the
Jump Exercise. The jumping heights for the squat and CMJs
entire study.
were used as a measure of anaerobic power.
Sprint Exercise. The sprint exercise consisted of 2 different
Incremental Running Test. The peak performance was de-
exercises. First, the subjects had to sprint for 10 m with the
termined as the maximal speed (Vmax) and slope (Smax) that
time recorded electronically by light sensors at both 5 and
could be maintained for the full 30 seconds in the final step.
10 m (Ergo Tester, Globus, Italy). An auditory cue was used as
The maximal oxygen uptake (V_ O2max) was determined as
a starting signal for the subjects. This exercise was performed
the highest 30-second average of the breath-by-breath
twice, and the best result was retained for data analysis. In the
values obtained from the metabolic measurement system.
second test, the subjects performed an SR in which the
The anaerobic threshold was determined at a lactate
subjects had to run 5 times 10 m as fast as possible. The same
concentration of 4 mmolL21 (9) and was expressed as
auditory cue was used for the 10-m sprint. The subjects had to
a speed in kilometers per hour (VAnT).
cross the 10-m marks with 1 foot while turning. The first test
The Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS 15.0
was used both to obtain information about both the reaction
(SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for the statistical
time and the starting speed (explosiveness) of the players,
analysis. For the 5 positions, descriptive statistics (mean
whereas the second test was used to evaluate their agility in
values 6 SD) were calculated for height, weight, fat
combination with speed.
percentage, V_ O2max, VAnT, and 5m- and 10-m times, SR, SJ,
Jump Exercise. After the sprint tests, the subjects performed and CMJ. These parameters were compared between
the SJ and the CMJ. They performed both jumps without arm the 5 positions by means of a Repeated Measures analysis
movement (i.e., with the hands in the hips). For the SJ, the of variance (5 3 1). If the analysis of variance (ANOVA)
subjects took a deep position with a knee angle of 90. The was significant, Tukey post hoc tests were performed. The
flexion of the hips could be chosen freely. The subjects reliability of the anaerobic sprint and jump tests was
remained in this position for 3 seconds. In the CMJ, the determined by means of the test-retest method. The
subjects were instructed to jump as high as possible without reliability analysis (Cronbach alpha) and intraclass corre-
further guidelines concerning knee and hip angles. Each jump lation coefficients showed that these anaerobic tests
test was performed twice. The best result was recorded for were highly reliable. The reliability coefficients (alpha)
data analysis. The jumping height was calculated from the were respectively 0.91, 0.92, 0.88, 0.90, 0.89 for the 5-m
flight height from the jumping mat measured with the Ergo times, 10-m times, SR, SJ, and CMJ, respectively. Also, the
Tester (Globus). 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.
Incremental Running Test. The incremental exercise consisted Before setting the significance level, a power analysis was
of steps of 3 minutes starting from a speed of 8 kmh21, and performed. This analysis revealed a statistical power of
the speed was increased with 2 kmh21 after each step. 0.94, and therefore, a significance level of p , 0.05 could
During the test, the slope of the treadmill was set at 1.5% 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.

Goalkeepers Center backs Full backs Midfielders Strikers

Height (cm) 188.2 6 4.5* 186.4 6 4.3* 179.3 6 4.8 181.3 6 4.1 183.5 6 6.7*
Weight (kg) 84.2 6 5.2* 82.5 6 5.0* 73.4 6 6.4 76.7 6 5.1 78.6 6 4.8
Body fat (%) 15.5 6 4.1* 10.9 6 1.7 10.4 6 1.6 11.0 6 1.7 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 the overall mean time was 12.20 6 0.39 seconds. The strikers
Anthropometry
were significantly faster than the goalkeepers (p , 0.01),
The overall mean height and weight of the subjects were defenders (p , 0.01), and full backs (p = 0.02), whereas the
182.4 6 6.0 cm and 77.4 6 7.1 kg, respectively, with a mean midfielders were faster than the goalkeepers (p = 0.02) and
body fat percentage of 11.0 6 2.5% (Table 1). The ANOVA center backs (p , 0.001).
The mean jump heights for the SJ and the CMJ were 40.7 6
revealed that the goalkeepers and center backs were
4.6 and 43.1 6 4.9 cm, respectively. The statistical analysis
taller and heavier compared with the full backs and
midfielders (p , 0.05). The height of the strikers did not revealed that the goalkeepers and the center backs had a higher
differ significantly from the goalkeepers (p = 0.67) and jumping height compared with the full backs (p , 0.001) and
defenders (p = 0.54), but on average, the former had the midfielders (p , 0.01). Also the forwards had a higher CMJ
a lower weight (p , 0.05). The body fat percentage was height compared with the full backs (p =0.03) and the
significantly higher in the goalkeepers compared with the midfielders (p = 0.03).
4 other positions (p , 0.05). Aerobic Performance
The parameters of the aerobic performance are presented in
Anaerobic Performance Table 3. The mean peak performance for the incremental
The parameters of the anaerobic performance are presented in exercise test was 15.6 kmh21 with a slope of 4.4%. The mean
Table 2. The mean time for the 5 m, as a measure of reaction V_ O2max for the total subject group was 57.7 6 4.7
time and explosiveness, in the total subject group was 1.46 6 mlmin21kg21, and the mean running speed at the level of
0.07 seconds. The 5-m time was significantly lower in the the anaerobic threshold (4 mmolL21) was 13.7 6 1.1 kmh21.
strikers compared with the goalkeepers (p = 0.03), defenders The full backs and the midfielders had a higher V_ O2max and
(p , 0.01), and midfielders (p = 0.04). Also, the full backs had VAnT compared with the strikers (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02,
a faster time compared with that of the defenders. The mean respectively) and center backs (p , 0.01), which in turn had
time between the 5- and the 10-m mark was 0.75 6 0.06 a higher V_ O2max and VAnT than the goalkeepers (p = 0.03).
seconds. The strikers displayed a significantly lower time The maximal blood lactate value at the end of the incremental
compared with that of the goalkeepers (p , 0.001), defenders running test was on average 9.6 6 1.6 mmolL21, and this
(p , 0.01), and midfielders (p = 0.03). For the SR (5 3 10 m), 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 Center backs Full backs Midfielders Strikers

5 m (s) 1.46 6 0.07 1.48 6 0.06 1.45 6 0.04 1.46 6 0.06 1.43 6 0.04
105 m (s) 0.76 6 0.06 0.77 6 0.04 0.74 6 0.05 0.75 6 0.05 0.72 6 0.04
SR (s) 12.32 6 0.44 12.53 6 0.41 12.22 6 0.37 12.09 6 0.30k 12.01 6 0.25k
SJ (cm) 42.2 6 2.9* 42.4 6 4.2 38.6 6 2.8 39.4 6 3.0 41.2 6 4.2
CMJ (cm) 45.6 6 2.6 46.0 6 4.1 41.0 6 3.8 41.4 6 3.7 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.

Goalkeepers Center backs Full backs Midfielders Strikers

V_ O2max (mlmin21kg21) 52.1 6 5.0* 55.6 6 3.5 61.2 6 2.7 60.4 6 2.8 56.8 6 3.1
VAnT (kmh21) 12.7 6 1.4* 13.4 6 0.6 14.4 6 0.7 14.2 6 0.6 13.6 6 0.7
[Lactate] (mmolL21) 9.3 6 2.2* 9.8 6 2.7* 9.1 6 3.0* 9.6 6 1.7* 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 goalkeeper generally covers about 4 km during a soccer

The purpose of this study was to gain an insight into the game (19), and most of his actions are determined pre-
general fitness level of elite soccer players active in the Belgian dominantly by the anaerobic power, that is, jumping and
first division. A large subject population was tested for sprinting. In this study, the goalkeepers had a significantly
anthropometric characteristics and for anaerobic and anaer- lower V_ O2max and performance at the anaerobic threshold
obic performance. Furthermore, we wanted to test whether compared with the other positions. On the other hand, they
these different aspects of the general fitness level would vary exert a high anaerobic power, especially during the jumping
according to the position of the player of the field. As test. In combination with their body size, goalkeepers are on
hypothesized, the results of this study clearly show that the average the tallest players in the team, and they have a high
anthropometric, physical and physiological characteristics reach and they can cover a large part of the goal, which is
differ according to the specific demands inherent to the necessary to efficiently avoid the opponent to score. In this
position on the field. study, the goalkeepers also had a higher body fat percentage
The V_ O2max that is reported in the literature varies in compared with that of the other positions. This can probably
general between 55 and 65 mlmin21kg21 for elite soccer be attributed to the lower amount of aerobic training. The
players (8,10,16,22). The mean V_ O2max of the elite soccer average sprinting performance might also be in part related
players in this study (57.7 6 4.7 mlmin21kg21) was in line to the higher body fat percentage. Also, the proportional
with these studies. The differences between the studies can contribution of strength and sprint training in the training
be attributed to the experimental protocol (i.e., protocol of regime of goalkeeper, with an important role for strength
the incremental exercise, metabolic measurement system, training with an increase in muscle mass as a consequence,
etc.), the testing period with respect to the phase in the might attribute to the average speed and agility.
season or the level of the players. In this context, it should With regard to the field players, the center backs generally
be noted that the Belgian competition is not among the cover the shortest distance (14,17). The center backs need
strongest in Europe. However, considering the performances strong positional play with a good headplay. They perform
in the Champions League and Champions League and a smaller number of explosive sprint movements during soccer
Europa League (formerly known as UEFA Cup), the level of games. Generally, they play only a minor role in the support
the Belgian competition (ranked 14th in the UEFA country of the attack, and they only move to the front for the corner
ranking) is very comparable (or even stronger compared) to kicks or the free kicks. According to the present data, their
Croatia (22nd) (22), Norway (27th) (10), and Sweden (24th) physiological profile is in line with these specific positional
(8). Compared with the aforementioned studies, the demands. Apart from the goalkeeper, they not only have
performance in the squat and CMJ was slightly lower (on the lowest V_ O2max and running speed at the anaerobic
average 3 cm) in this study. It should be noted, however, that threshold, but their anaerobic sprint performance and agility
the mean age of the subject group in this study was lower are also rather low. This is in line with the findings of other
(25.4 6 4.9 years) in comparison with most other studies in studies with elite soccer players (2,22). The lower sprint and
which the mean age is approximately 28 years. This might agility performance is probably because of the large body size,
explain the lower anaerobic performance (SJ and CMJ) which hinders the sudden changes in direction during the SR
compared with other studies. Soccer players are generally at and in extension on the pitch. Their anaerobic power for
their peak performance at the age of 2730 years, and jumping is higher compared with the other positions, and in
therefore, the subjects in our test group have a few more combination with their body size, this benefits their headplay,
years to develop their explosiveness and strength. which is an important part of the defensive skills.
The position of the goalkeeper on the soccer pitch requires The midfielders and full backs generally cover the largest
relatively low demands from the aerobic energy metabolism. distance during a soccer game, on average 10.511.5 km

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 Physical Profile of Elite Belgian Soccer Players

(3,4,8). These players have both defensive and offensive tasks compared with a center back (7). Therefore, in our opinion,
including frequent movements up and down the field. the position of the full back should be considered as
Therefore, this requires a well-developed aerobic capacity. a separate position on the field beside the center backs,
Similar to other studies (2,22), this study revealed that these especially because it was observed in this study that the
players had the highest aerobic power and performance at fitness profile of a full back more closely resembles that of
the anaerobic threshold compared with the other positions. a midfielder. The information of this study, reporting the
In this study, it was observed that the full backs had a slightly physiological profile of elite soccer players, can be useful for
higher sprinting ability (i.e., 5 and 10 m) but appeared to the training staff into the optimization of the training process
have a lower agility compared with that of the midfielders. to maximize the performance level specific for the role of the
Although the full backs predominantly need explosiveness player in the team. Furthermore, in team sports, where there
and speed to pass an opponent along the line, midfielders is a tendency for early specialization concerning the position
need to be able to change directions more appropriately and on the field, these physiological profiles can be used in the
to accelerate with changes in direction. The specific selection of a player for a position and for the development of
characteristics in response to these specific demands of the specific training programs based on the important character-
full back and midfielder position appear to be present in the istics of the position of the field. It should be noted that
physical profile of the players, although the differences were motion analysis of soccer games was not included in our
not significant. In addition, the jumping performance was study. This motion analysis provides important information
slightly higher in the midfielders, which more frequently on the physical characteristics of a soccer game especially
need to use their headplay compared with the full back. with regard to the different positions on the field. However,
The strikers have higher aerobic capacities (V_ O2max and the disadvantage of these match data is that these measures
VAnT) compared with the goalkeepers and defenders but are performed in a situation that strongly depends on the
lower compared with the full backs and midfielders. This is strength of the own team and of the opponent, tactical
in line with the covered distance during a soccer game gameplay, and weather conditions (4,5,12,18). The measures
(9.510 km), which is higher than that of the defenders but performed in this on the other hand are conducted in
lower than that of the midfielders. Attackers will cover a large a standard situation following strict guidelines, and therefore,
amount of the total distance using short sprints, and they these measures provide valuable insights into the physical
need a high explosiveness and speed to be able to pass the characteristics of the players. The combination of both
defenders. In this study, the strikers had the fastest sprinting laboratory measures and motion analysis on the field could
times and the best agility. In contrast to the study of Sporis provide important additional information on the physical
et al. (22), the defenders in our study were significantly slower demands of the positions on the field and on the main factors
compared with the strikers. This can probably be attributed that determine the individual performance.
to the classification of the position of the field. In our study, From this study, it could be concluded that the physical
the full backs were separated from the central defenders. profile of the elite soccer players in the Belgian competition is
Because the full backs are faster than the central defenders, specific inherent to the specific demands of the position on
this might have influenced the results in the study of the field. It is not clear, however, whether the process of
Sporis et al. (22). The strikers also had a higher jumping obtaining a specific position on the field is a matter of natural
performance compared with that of the midfielders and the selection, based not only on the physical profile but also on
full backs but lower compared with the defenders. Strikers technical-tactical skills, team cohesiveness and even match
need a strong jumping ability to be able to control the long performance, or whether the specific physical profile is
pass from the defenders or to head the ball through or back a consequence of the specific demands of the position itself
to one of his teammates. Therefore, strikers need a high which the player has grown into. In the modern game of
anaerobic sprint performance and also need a relatively soccer, however, it is clear that adult players need to be
high aerobic performance in combination with a relatively trained specifically according to their position on the field to
high anaerobic jumping performance. optimize the performance of the team. The physical profile
provided in this study can help the coaches in identifying the
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS physical characteristics, which are important for the different
This study contributes to the literature on the physical and positions to optimize the training and performance of each
physiological profile of soccer players, especially in regard to individual player. On the other hand, the physical profile can
the elite level of the subjects in combination with the large also help the coaches to direct younger players to the position
sample size. In a recent study of Sporis et al. (22), a similar that corresponds best to their physical profile.
research was performed in elite Croatian football players.
In this study, however, only 4 different positions were
considered, that is, goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
forwards. It should be noted, however, that the position of The results of this study do not constitute endorsement of
a full back is characterized by different physical demands the product by the authors or the National Strength and
the TM

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Conditioning Association. This research was performed 13. Krustrup, P, Mohr, M, Steensberg, A, Bencke, J, Kjaer, M, and
without fundings. Bangsbo, J. Muscle and blood metabolites during a soccer game:
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11651174, 2006.
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