Physical and anthropometric profile of Tunisian elite football players according to their playing position: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the development of anthropometric and physical parameters of young Tunisian football players.

Methods. Sixty-two subjects (15.3±0.2 years, 69.4±6.4 kg, 176.9±4.8 cm) playing for the top four professional football clubs in Tunisia took part in the study. They were divided into five groups according to their playing position: goalkeepers (n=10), fullbacks (n=14), central defenders (n=11), midfielders (n=15) and forwards (n=12). Various anthropometric measurements, fitness tests assessing aerobic and anaerobic performance were performed at two times (T): T1 (3 weeks after the beginning of the preparation period), and T2 (End of the competitive period).

Results. Compared to T1, during T2 there were significant increases in height (176.9±4.8 to 179.9±4.3 cm, p<0.01, respectively), five-jump test (11.09±1.22 to 12.24±0.67 m, p<0.01, respectively) and yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (1783±323 to 2716±564 m, p<0.01, respectively), and significant decreases in fat mass (12.3±3.2 to 12.2±2.3%; p<0.05, respectively), 10 m sprint (1.90±0.10 to 1.83±0.11 m; p<0.05, respectively), and 30 m sprint (4.51±0.18 to 4.40±0.22 m; p<0.05, respectively).

Conclusion. An increase in anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness was found in elite young soccer players after a single season of training, but positions were not differentiated