The positional demands of explosive actions in elite soccer: Comparison of English Premier League and French Ligue 1
2024

Explosive Actions in Elite Soccer: EPL vs. Ligue 1

Sample size: 58 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Morgans Ryland, Ju Wonwoo, Radnor John, Zmijewski Piotr, Ryan Ben, Haslam Chris, King Matthew, Kavanagh Ronan, Oliveira Rafael

Primary Institution: Cardiff Metropolitan University

Hypothesis

The EPL team would present a higher number of accelerations and decelerations during match-play.

Conclusion

The study found that the relative total number of accelerations and decelerations were higher in the EPL compared to Ligue 1.

Supporting Evidence

  • The EPL players had higher accelerations and decelerations compared to L1 players.
  • Significant differences were observed across all playing positions except for centre forwards.
  • Data was collected over two consecutive seasons to ensure reliability.

Takeaway

This study looked at how fast soccer players run and stop during games in two different leagues, finding that players in the English Premier League do this more than those in the French Ligue 1.

Methodology

The study monitored 58 male professional soccer players during all league matches across two seasons using GPS technology to collect data on accelerations and decelerations.

Potential Biases

The sample size was small and may not represent all elite soccer players.

Limitations

The study did not consider the effects of standard opposition and match location, which may influence the results.

Participant Demographics

58 male professional soccer players from the EPL and Ligue 1, with average ages of 23.2 and 24.3 years respectively.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.001

Statistical Significance

p < 0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.5114/biolsport.2025.139083

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