Players’ match demands according to age and playing position in professional male soccer players

The aim of this paper was to study the change of game patterns of elite soccer players according to their playing position and ages. A total of 28,547 match observations from 923 players were undertaken in the Chinese Soccer Super League (CSL) during six seasons (2012–2017) using tracking data from Amisco (Amisco, Nice, France). Playing positions were categorised as central defenders, fullbacks, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and attackers. The players were divided into four age groups: Group 1 (17–22.9 years), Group 2 (23–28.9 years), Group 3 (29–34.9 years), and Group 4 (35–40.9 years). Fourteen technical performance-related parameters and six physical performance-related parameters were chosen as performance variables in the analysis. Differences between the four age groups were determined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The running performance of players decreased with advancing age, especially for high intensity running. However, older wide midfielders and attackers (beyond 30 years of age) who were still playing in the league presented similar physical efforts. Fullbacks and attackers performed more passes and forward passes as they got older. Midfielders in the age group of thirty years or more make more passes and crosses. Midfielders and attackers have a higher shot ability when they are older.