Match Running Performance and Fitness in Youth Soccer

The activity profiles of highly trained young soccer players were examined in relation to age, playing position and physical capacity. Time-motion analyses (global positioning system) were performed on 77 players (U13-U18; fullbacks [FB], centre-backs [CB], midfielders [MD], wide midfielders [W], second strikers [2(nd)S] and strikers [S]) during 42 international club games. Total distance covered (TD) and very high-intensity activities (VHIA; > 16.1 km.h(-1)) were computed during 186 entire player-matches. Physical capacity was assessed via field test measures (e.g., peak running speed during an incremental field test, V(Vam-eval)). Match running performance showed an increasing trend with age (P < 0.001, partial eta-squared (eta(2)): 0.20-0.45). When adjusted for age and individual playing time, match running performance was position-dependent (P < 0.001, eta(2) : 0.13-0.40). MD covered the greater TD; CB the lowest (P < 0.05). Distance for VHIA was lower for CB compared with all other positions (P < 0.05); W and S displayed the highest VHIA (P < 0.05). Relationships between match running performance and physical capacities were position-dependent, with poor or non-significant correlations within FB, CB, MD and W (e.g., VHIA vs. V(Vam-eval) : r = 0.06 in FB) but large associations within 2(nd)S and S positions (e.g., VHIA vs. V(Vam-eval) : r = 0.70 in 2(nd)S). In highly trained young soccer players, the importance of fitness level as a determinant of match running performance should be regarded as a function of playing position.