Biology of Sport
eISSN: 2083-1862
ISSN: 0860-021X
Biology of Sport
Current Issue Manuscripts accepted About the journal Editorial board Abstracting and indexing Archive Ethical standards and procedures Contact Instructions for authors Journal's Reviewers Special Information
Editorial System
Submit your Manuscript
SCImago Journal & Country Rank
Search
Editorial Policies
Sarajevo Declaration on Integrity and Visibility of Scholarly Publications

Open access

without publication fees
Share:
Send email
Share:
abstract:
Original paper

Physical match performance of elite soccer players from the English Championship League and the English Premier League: The effects of opponent ranking and positional differences

Ryland Morgans
1
,
Rocco Di Michele
2
,
Ibrahim H. Ceylan
3
,
Ben Ryan
4
,
Chris Haslam
4
,
Matthew King
4
,
Piotr Zmijewski
5, 6
,
Rafael Oliveira
7, 8, 9

  1. School of Sport & Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
  2. Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
  3. Faculty of Kazim Karabekir Education, Physical Education of Sports Teaching Department, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
  4. Football Research Centre, Brentford FC, London, UK
  5. Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, 00-809 Warsaw, Poland
  6. Research and Development Center Legia Lab, Legia Warszawa, Poland
  7. Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development, 5001–801 Vila Real, Portugal
  8. Sports Science School of Rio Maior – Instituto Politecnico de Santarem, 2040–413 Rio Maior, Santarém District, Santarém, Portugal
  9. Life Quality Research Centre, 2040–413 Rio Maior, Portugal
Biol Sport. 2025;42(1):29–38
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2025.139079
Online publish date: 2024/05/07
View full text Get citation
 
PlumX metrics:
This study aimed to examine physical match performance and the effects of opponent ranking and positional differences in both the English Championship League (ECL) and the English Premier League (EPL) over five consecutive seasons. Fifty-four professional outfield soccer players (average age 24.6 ± 5.4 years, weight 76.6 ± 6.9 kg, height 1.79 ± 0.09 m) from an English club were involved. Physical data obtained with the 18 Hz GPS technology tracking system from 213 regular-season matches spanning the complete 2018/19 to 2022/23 seasons were examined. The results showed that, considering the level of the opponent, total distance (TD), high-intensity distance (HSR), and the number of decelerations (DEC) significantly varied in both EPL and ECL (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05 respectively). Additionally, opponent level influenced sprint distances (Spr) and accelerations (ACC) in the EPL (p < 0.05, p < 0.05) but not in the ECL. The highest running metrics were noted when the team played against a high-ranked opponent. Concerning positional roles, more physical metrics were influenced by opponent level in the ECL (centre-backs (TD, ACC), full-backs (TD, DEC), centre midfielders (TD, HSR, Spr, DEC), attacking midfielders (TD, Spr, DEC), centre forwards (TD)) than in the EPL (centre midfielders (TD, HSR, DEC), attacking midfielders (TD, DEC), centre forwards (TD)). These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how players from different positions perform in elite soccer match-play against varying opposition rankings. Coaches may then tailor tactical approaches, positional, and individualized training regimens to address the specific physical demands associated with matches against different-ranked opponents.
keywords:

Soccer, Match analysis, Physical performance, Seasonal trends, Standard of competition, Opponent ranking, Positional differences

  
Termedia
About us Contact
Copyright notice Privacy policy Advertising policy Contact us
Quick links
Journals Books eBooks Events
© 2024 Termedia Sp. z o.o.
Developed by Bentus.