Comparison of physical characteristics among english professional and semi-professional soccer players across different leagues

Ripley, Nicholas Joel; Fahey, Jack; Jones, Paul; Batsford, Jake; Sindall, Paul; Bramah, Christopher; Comfort, Paul

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate if differences exist in neuromuscular qualities between different leagues in English male soccer. Twenty soccer players (age: 23.3 ± 5.2 years, stature: 180.3 ± 7.0 cm, mass: 82.5 ± 7.7 kg) from English football league two (EFL2). 34 soccer players (age: 25.8 ± 4.3 years, stature: 180.9 ± 5.6 cm, mass: 81.4 ± 8.6 kg) from National league (NL) and 23 soccer players (age: 27.5 ± 4.3 years, stature: 182.1 ± 5.5 cm, mass: 84.1 ± 8.0 kg) from National league North (NLN). Each player completed three to five repetitions of the countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement rebound jump (CMJRJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Trivial to small differences were observed in CMJ jump height, CMJ momentum, relative average braking and propulsion force, time to take-off and modified reactive strength index (RSI) (p > 0.265, d = 0.05–0.55). However, moderate to large (p ≤ 0.009, d = 0.94–1.25) differences were observed in countermovement depth. Trivial to moderate differences were observed in absolute and relative peak net force and force at 100 and 250 ms (p ≥ 0.092, d = 0.13–0.63). Trivial to moderate differences were observed in CMJRJ rebound jump height and rebound jump momentum (p ≥ 0.440, d = 0.17–0.41). NLN players had longer rebound contact time and lower rebound RSI, rebound average relative braking and propulsion forces to a large magnitude (p ≤ 0.001, d = 1.18–1.85), with small differences between ELF2 and NL (p > 0.536, d = 0.11–0.39). Lower reactive qualities of NLN players could explain observed leagues, considering their relationship with match scoring situations. All players would be considered weak (<30 N/kg) and practitioners should prioritise lower limb strength across all leagues.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 23, 2025
• Online Publication Date: May 29, 2025
• Publication Date: May 29, 2025
• Deposit Date: May 30, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: May 30, 2025
• Journal: PLOS One
• Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 5
• Article Number: e0324436
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0324436