The influence of playing position on the physical, technical, and network variables of sub-elite professional soccer athletes

Abstract

Purpose. Match analysis must adopt multidimensional performance indicators, which include analysing playing position influence in official matches. The study compared physical, technical, and network variables of Brazilian soccer athletes from different positions. Methods. Overall, 17 professional soccer athletes (3 central defenders, 4 fullbacks, 5 central midfielders, 3 wide forwards, 2 central forwards) were monitored during 6 official matches. External load data were collected with a 10-Hz GPS device. The number of passes, shots, losses of ball possession, and balls recovered were coded. Athletes' network centralities were assessed with social network analysis. Results. Central midfielders (10.0 ± 0.8 km) and wide forwards (10.4 ± 0.4 km) covered higher distances than central defenders (10.2% and 14.7%, respectively; ES = 0.392) and central forwards (16.7% and 21.5%, respectively; ES = 0.392). Wide forwards performed more high-intensity running (17.8 ± 2.5) than central defenders (91.4%; ES = 0.377) and forwards (88.9%; ES = 0.377). Central defenders (43.1 ± 22.3) and fullbacks (41.5 ± 17.3) performed more passes than forwards (453.4% and 470.0%, respectively; ES = 0.383). Central defenders (0.16 ± 0.04 AU) and fullbacks (0.14 ± 0.05 AU) presented a higher degree of centrality than all other positions (ES = 0.651). Wide forwards presented a higher degree of prestige (0.13 ± 0.05 AU) than central defenders (325%; ES = 0.242). The highest prominence was observed for wide (0.12 ± 0.01 AU) and central forwards (0.12 ± 0.03 AU) (ES = 0.509). Conclusions. Physical and technical responses and network properties are position-specific among sub-elite athletes.