Multivariate Profiles of Selected Versus non-Selected Elite Youth Brazilian Soccer Players

Abstract

This study determined whether a multivariate profile more effectively discriminated selected than non-selected elite youth Brazilian soccer players. This examination was carried out on 66 youth soccer players (selected, n = 28, mean age 16.3 ± 0.1; non-selected, n = 38, mean age 16.7 ± 0.4) using objective instruments. Multivariate profiles were assessed through anthropometric characteristics, biological maturation, tactical-technical skills, and motor performance. The Student’s t-test identified that selected players exhibited significantly higher values for height (t = 2.331, p = 0.02), lean body mass (t = 2.441, p = 0.01), and maturity offset (t = 4.559, p < 0.001), as well as performed better in declarative tactical knowledge (t = 10.484, p < 0.001), shooting (t = 2.188, p = 0.03), dribbling (t = 5.914, p < 0.001), speed – 30 m (t = 8.304, p < 0.001), countermovement jump (t = 2.718, p = 0.008), and peak power tests (t = 2.454, p = 0.01). Forward stepwise discriminant function analysis showed that declarative tactical knowledge, running speed –30 m, maturity offset, dribbling, height, and peak power correctly classified 97% of the selected players. These findings may have implications for a highly efficient selection process with objective measures of youth players in soccer clubs.

Reliability and validity of field‐based fitness tests in youth soccer players

“…Finally, the relevance of power to soccer gameplay and performance have been questioned by some researchers. For example, some research has shown differences between performance standards for CMJ performance (Aquino et al, 2017;Gissis et al, 2006), whereas others observe no differences between varied performance levels (Malina et al, 2007; Martinez-Santos, Castillo, & Los Arcos, 2016). However, these relationships are to be considered simplistic and not causal (Paul & Nassis, 2015b).…”

“…Considering professional soccer academies recruit and develop players from early childhood (Hulse et al, 2013), and, the multiple tiers within governing body soccer , understanding of performance differences across all age groups and performance standards would provide valuable information when adopting a cross-sectional study design. Similarly, to improve representation of data of a population, large and comprehensive samples should be recruited, a limitation of several previous studies of this nature (Aquino et al, 2017;Gouvêa et al, 2017;Reilly et al, 2000;Waldron & Murphy, 2016). Finally, given the multi-dimensional nature of soccer and varying demands placed upon players during training and competition (Section 2.2), a comprehensive range of physical characteristics should be assessed; again, a limitation of several previous studies (Aquino et al, 2017;Gouvêa et al, 2017;Malina et al, 2007;Mirkov et al, 2015).…”

What mental process favours quality decision-making in young soccer players?

“…According to the original test protocol 14,15,16 , this methodology uses 11 offensive soccer scenarios (11 vs. 11) to assess their tactical decision in each action. The visioning was realized in quiet conditions with controlled light, using a projector to display the video sequences on the wall.…”

TacticUP Video Test for Soccer: Development and Validation

“…Considering this continuum, there is evidence that both perceptual-cognitive skills and perceptual-motor skills are related to soccer players’ development over time ( Teoldo et al, 2010a ; Américo et al, 2017 ), superior future performance ( Aquino et al, 2017 ), playing position ( Williams et al, 2008 ), technical skills ( Aquino et al, 2016 ; Rechenchosky et al, 2017b ), and different levels of expertise ( Roca et al, 2012 ). As for the topic of expertise, previous research demonstrated that both perceptual-cognitive skills and perceptual-motor skills increase according to the level of expertise ( Mesquita et al, 2012 ; Roca et al, 2012 ).…”