Pre‐season physiological characteristics of English first and second division soccer players

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Abstract
This investigation was undertaken in an effort to establish physiological characteristics of soccer players and to relate them to positional roles. A total of 135 footballers (age 24.4 ± 4.6 years) were assessed for body mass, % body fat, haemoglobin, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), leg power, anaerobic capacity and speed prior to an English league season. The sample included 13 goalkeepers, 22 full‐backs, 24 centre‐backs, 35 midfield players and 41 forwards. The goalkeepers were significantly heavier (86.1 ± 5.5 kg; P P P <0.05), significantly lower estimated VO2 max values (56.4 ± 3.9 ml kg‐1min‐1; P VO2 max values (61.4 ± 3.4 ml kg‐1min‐1), this being significantly greater (P P < 0.01) and full‐backs (P < 0.05). Anaerobic power, as well as knee extensor torques (corrected for body mass) and extensor‐flexor ratios, were similar between groups. No difference in estimated body fat percentage was observed between any of the outfield players, and haemoglobin concentrations were similar among players of all positions. While a distinction can be made, therefore, between goalkeepers and outfield players in terms of physiological characteristics and role requirements, the difference between outfield players is less obvious.