A Contemporary Positional Multi Modal Assessment Approach to Training Monitoring in Elite Professional Soccer

Abstract

Understanding positional differences in terms of specific movement, speed and mechanical demands imposed upon elite professional soccer players in training and match play is of paramount importance to further develop player performance. The primary investigation aim was to examine a novel multi-metric method and reveal the representation of a tapered structure referencing a direct relationship with competitive match demands. The study involved 29-elite male European soccer players (26.7±4.07 years, height 183.4±5.87cm, body mass 78.4±8.03kg, VO2max 57.55±5.32mL.kg−1.min−1 and sum of 8 skinfolds 54.12±13.65mm). Daily positional TL data relating to competitive match day (MD) data was assessed via a Global Positioning System (GPS) across a 22-week period during the mid-phase of the competitive season. Results revealed differences between playing positions; central forwards (CF) revealing lower average intensity values when compared with CBs, FBs and WFs (p<0.005). On MD-3, CBs revealed significantly higher intensity scores when compared to CFs and CMs, and WFs with higher intensity scores for CFs. Furthermore, FBs had higher volume session scores than CBs, CFs and CMs on MD (p<0.005). Indications reported in this investigation are novel and vitally important when trying to understand positional TLs in relation to match loads among elite soccer players as well as ensure correct preparation of competitive demands. To conclude, the specific multi-modal approach used allows practitioners to combine key positional mechanical volume and intensity metrics as part of a player positional monitoring strategy and ensure a greater focus on targeted physical stressors. As a result, this may improve the training specificity of positional training workloads in direct relation to match-play, subsequently leading to a greater link between increased performance and reduced injury risks.