The soccer season: performance variations and evolutionary trends

“To account for possible overestimation of the true population ESs were corrected accounting for the magnitude of the sample size of each study (Lakens, 2013).”

“Although we included adults (>19 years) soccer players described has professional or elite player, given that there is no common perspective or terminology to characterize the caliber and training status of an individual or cohort, we need to consider that a considerable variation in training load and training history…”

“, 2007b) at a mean intensity close to the anaerobic threshold (AT) (Stolen et al., 2005).”

“Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports 15(1):21–28 DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2004.00395.x. Halson SL. 2014.”

“, total distance, HSR and sprint) (Altmann et al., 2018; Bradley et al., 2010; Krustrup et al., 2003; Krustrup et al., 2005; Rampinini et al., 2007a).”

“(2009) observed that U-20 elite players performing just one session of HIASpecific (30min session per week) during the last 12-weeks of the competitive season, rather than the 2–3 weekly sessions traditionally applied in the other studies (Dupont, Akakpo & Berthoin, 2004; Helgerud et al., 2001; Helgerud et al., 2011;…”

“(Bogdanis et al., 2009; Ronnestad, Nymark & Raastad, 2011) and COD performance of profession al players (Bogdanis et al., 2009).”

“Interestingly all the studies, although reporting different magnitudes (small to large), observed substantial alterations between these two time-points (Mohr, Krustrup & Bangsbo, 2003; Rampinini et al., 2007b; Silva et al., 2013b).”

“Activity pattern analysis of the players during the matches showed that elite soccer players cover 8 to 13-km during a competitive match (Bradley et al., 2009; Di Salvo et al., 2009; Rampinini et al., 2007b) at a mean intensity close to the anaerobic threshold (AT) (Stolen et al.”

“…HR measures make these measures an important parameter for frequent, time-efficient, and non-exhaustive testing of intermittent exercise capacity of high-level soccer players (Altmann et al., 2021; Buchheit, 2014; Buchheit, Simpson & Lacome, 2020; Ingebrigtsen et al., 2013a; Rago et al., 2020).”

“, 2010; Lees & Nolan, 1998), determinants of players’ performance (Bangsbo, Iaia & Krustrup, 2007; Bangsbo, Mohr & Krustrup, 2006; Reilly, Drust & Clarke, 2008), specific training-induced effects (Hill-Haas et al., 2011; Hoff, 2005; Hoff & Helgerud, 2004; Iaia, Rampinini & Bangsbo, 2009; Silva, Nassis & Rebelo, 2015),…”

“Evolutionary trends in match activity of professional players (Akyildiz et al., 2022; Barnes et al., 2014; Bradley et al., 2016; Bush et al., 2014; Pons et al., 2021; Vigne et al., 2012) has been analyzed in different contexts.”

“Nevertheless, their sensitivity to training is almost certainly similar (30-15 vs YYIR1) (Buchheit & Rabbani, 2014) and given the very large correlations between tests (YYIR1 vs YYIR2) practitioners have been advised to consider using only one of the Yo-Yo tests and a RSA test in a general soccer-specific field test p…”

“In fact, a high mechanical and metabolic load (acceleration/deceleration) seems to be imposed during soccer-specific scenarios (Hodgson, Akenhead & Thomas, 2014; Osgnach et al., 2010).”

“, total distance, HSR and sprint) (Altmann et al., 2018; Bradley et al., 2010; Krustrup et al., 2003; Krustrup et al., 2005; Rampinini et al., 2007a).”

“(2009) observed that U-20 elite players performing just one session of HIASpecific (30min session per week) during the last 12-weeks of the competitive season, rather than the 2–3 weekly sessions traditionally applied in the other studies (Dupont, Akakpo & Berthoin, 2004; Helgerud et al., 2001; Helgerud et al., 2011;…”

“, 2009a) on both the cardiopulmonary (Buchheit & Laursen, 2013a) and neuromuscular levels (Buchheit & Laursen, 2013b), thereby promoting physiological and performance adaptations that allow players to more successfully cope with the match and training demands (Castagna et al., 2009; Girard, Mendez-Villanueva & Bishop,…”

“…adaptations that allow players to more successfully cope with the match and training demands (Castagna et al., 2009; Girard, Mendez-Villanueva & Bishop, 2011; Gunnarsson et al., 2012; Helgerud et al., 2001; Iaia, Rampinini & Bangsbo, 2009; Impellizzeri et al., 2006; Ingebrigtsen et al., 2013b;…”

“, 2001; Dauty & Potiron Josse, 2004), short distance sprint speed (Cometti et al., 2001;Dauty & Potiron Josse, 2004;Haugen, Tonnessen & Seiler, 2013), agility or COD (Mujika et al.”

“, 2013b) and study evolutionary trends over consecutive seasons (Akyildiz et al., 2022; Barnes et al., 2014; Bradley et al., 2016; Bush et al., 2014; Pons et al., 2021; Vigne et al., 2012).”

“This is particularly interesting, since is well documented that soccer-related injuries likely occur under rapid movement perturbations or actions requiring rapid force development and are more prevalent in hamstring muscles group (Hagglund, Walden & Ekstrand, 2005;Walden et al., 2015).”

“Importantly, within the different season moments the variation ranged from −18% to 20% that are below for the reference value of 60–64% informing that a real change take place (Gregson et al., 2010; Oliva-Lozano et al., 2021a).”

“…functions (e.g., hormonal milieu, biochemical responses) and perceptual responses (e.g., muscle soreness) in different players (Bangsbo, Mohr & Krustrup, 2006; Kraemer et al., 2004; Reilly, Drust & Clarke, 2008; Reinke et al., 2009; Silva et al., 2013a; Silva et al., 2014; Smith et al., 2018).”

“The analysis of the players’ activity during games and trainings, along with the physiological, neuromuscular, and perceptual responses to training and competition demands, highlights the important role of neuromuscular function for successful soccer performance (Nedelec et al., 2012; Silva et al., 2018).”

“(Bogdanis et al., 2009; Ronnestad, Nymark & Raastad, 2011) and COD performance of profession al players (Bogdanis et al., 2009).”

“(2009) observed that U-20 elite players performing just one session of HIASpecific (30min session per week) during the last 12-weeks of the competitive season, rather than the 2–3 weekly sessions traditionally applied in the other studies (Dupont, Akakpo & Berthoin, 2004; Helgerud et al., 2001; Helgerud et al., 2011;…”

“A wide range of information can be collected during a standardized warm-up (Buchheit et al., 2013) that can inform on the training status of the athlete (Halson, 2014).”

“In addition, these greater neuromuscular capabilities are not only suggested by the higher ability to perform powerful contractions during isokinetic force production tasks but also during and throughout repetitive stretch-shortening cycle activities (SSC) (Impellizzeri et al., 2008; Mujika et al., 2008; Rampinini et…”

“, 2005; Svensson & Drust, 2005), soccer biomechanics (Lees et al., 2010; Lees & Nolan, 1998), determinants of players’ performance (Bangsbo, Iaia & Krustrup, 2007; Bangsbo, Mohr & Krustrup, 2006; Reilly, Drust & Clarke, 2008), specific training-induced effects (Hill-Haas et al.”

“…Iaia & Krustrup, 2007; Bangsbo, Mohr & Krustrup, 2006; Reilly, Drust & Clarke, 2008), specific training-induced effects (Hill-Haas et al., 2011; Hoff, 2005; Hoff & Helgerud, 2004; Iaia, Rampinini & Bangsbo, 2009; Silva, Nassis & Rebelo, 2015), and development of soccer fatigue and kinetics of…”

“, high-intensity categories), (ii) discrepancies between systems in the accuracy of the determination of the distance covered at HSR (Randers et al., 2010), (iii) accuracy of the intensity of the pre-defined thresholds with individualized thresholds of physiological stress of the players (Abt & Lovell, 2009), and (iv)…”

“As so, players perform intense training programs to potentiate these fitness determinants to cope with the acute and chronic demands of a high-level soccer season cycle (Brocherie et al., 2014; Chmura et al., 2019; Eliakim et al., 2018; Malone et al., 2018; Silva et al., 2014).”

“In fact, studies examining the effects of pre-season high-intensity strength training in force production, revealed that professional players improved maximum dynamic strength performance (1RM) in half-squat exercise (ranging from 11–26%) (Bogdanis et al., 2009; Ronnestad et al., 2008).”

“, greater fatigue resistance and decrease muscle damage) (Malone et al., 2016; Owen et al., 2015; Silva, 2019; Silva & Rebelo, 2019).”

“, 2009a) on both the cardiopulmonary (Buchheit & Laursen, 2013a) and neuromuscular levels (Buchheit & Laursen, 2013b), thereby promoting physiological and performance adaptations that allow players to more successfully cope with the match and training demands (Castagna et al., 2009; Girard, Mendez-Villanueva & Bishop,…”

“, 2021b), (v) environmental conditions (heat) and altitude (Mohr et al., 2012; Nassis, 2013), (vi) playing formation (e.”

“As so, practitioners should always consider a cost/benefit approach (e.g., cost, ease of use, manpower and how it will impact the training program) (Buchheit & Simpson, 2017).”

“In part, these observations may lead to the following proposals: (i) neuromuscular adaptations affecting SSC mechanisms (phase analysis) may occur throughout the in-season period; and (ii) a composite score of power-based efforts Silva (2022), PeerJ, DOI 10.7717/peerj.14082 36/60 may be more relevant for tracking the…”

“, amount of ball possession) (Arjol-Serrano et al., 2021; Bradley et al., 2013), (vii) players availability (Windt et al.”

“Consequently, the impulse produced during these muscle actions of both concentric, isometric, and eccentric nature, with more relevance to the latter impose significant stress on the neuromuscular and physiological systems (Dellal et al., 2010; Gaudino et al., 2013; Hader et al., 2014; Hader et al., 2019).”

“(2009) observed that U-20 elite players performing just one session of HIASpecific (30min session per week) during the last 12-weeks of the competitive season, rather than the 2–3 weekly sessions traditionally applied in the other studies (Dupont, Akakpo & Berthoin, 2004; Helgerud et al., 2001; Helgerud et al., 2011;…”

“Shephard RJ. 1999.”

“‘Integrated’ approachs that contextualizes physical demands in relation to key tactical activities for each position and collectively for the team are warranted; understanding the physical performance in relation to the tactical roles (Bradley & Ade, 2018).”

“…(Askling, Karlsson & Thorstensson, 2003), the systematic study of the training induced effects of isoinertial eccentric overload has been more recently implemented in soccer (de Hoyo et al., 2015a; de Hoyo et al., 2015b; de Hoyo et al., 2016; Suarez-Arrones et al., 2018; Tous-Fajardo et al., 2016).”

“Evolutionary trends in match activity of professional players (Akyildiz et al., 2022; Barnes et al., 2014; Bradley et al., 2016; Bush et al., 2014; Pons et al., 2021; Vigne et al., 2012) has been analyzed in different contexts.”

“…sub-conscious pacing strategies (Carling & Bloomfield, 2010; Edwards & Noakes, 2009; Mugglestone et al., 2012) that seems to take place during matches cannot be excluded; there are contradictions regarding the concept of team sport players pacing their effort throughout the game (Aughey, 2010).”

“This previous evidence, at least in part, highly indicate the benefits of performing a structured training program during the off-season (Silva et al., 2016).”

“, 2009) after high-intensity strength training and after concurrent high-intensity aerobic and high-intensity strength pre-season training are also reported (47%) (Helgerud et al., 2011).”

“Consequently, the impulse produced during these muscle actions of both concentric, isometric, and eccentric nature, with more relevance to the latter impose significant stress on the neuromuscular and physiological systems (Dellal et al., 2010; Gaudino et al., 2013; Hader et al., 2014; Hader et al., 2019).”

“Consequently, the impulse produced during these muscle actions of both concentric, isometric, and eccentric nature, with more relevance to the latter impose significant stress on the neuromuscular and physiological systems (Dellal et al., 2010; Gaudino et al., 2013; Hader et al., 2014; Hader et al., 2019).”

“Nevertheless, a greater discriminatory validity has been attributed to the field monitoring techniques and thus, at least in part, makes them more important (specific) in monitoring soccer players (Buchheit, 2010; Ingebrigtsen et al., 2012; Svensson & Drust, 2005; Wells et al., 2012).”

“(2009) observed that U-20 elite players performing just one session of HIASpecific (30min session per week) during the last 12-weeks of the competitive season, rather than the 2–3 weekly sessions traditionally applied in the other studies (Dupont, Akakpo & Berthoin, 2004; Helgerud et al., 2001; Helgerud et al., 2011;…”

“, HSR) during the season, which were not evident for VO2max have been reported (Bradley et al., 2011).”

“Moreover, the magnitude of adaptation and the training efficiency (% improvement by session) may be influenced by the chronic biomechanical and physiological context of the training program (Loturco et al., 2015b; Silva, Nassis & Rebelo, 2015).”

“As such, the development and improvement of conscious and/or sub-conscious pacing strategies (Carling & Bloomfield, 2010; Edwards & Noakes, 2009; Mugglestone et al., 2012) that seems to take place during matches cannot be excluded; there are contradictions regarding the concept of team sport…”

“HIT is a useful training method, providing a high training stimulus (Bangsbo et al., 2009; Buchheit & Laursen, 2013a; Christensen et al., 2011; Iaia & Bangsbo, 2010; Iaia et al., 2009a) on both the cardiopulmonary (Buchheit & Laursen, 2013a) and neuromuscular levels (Buchheit & Laursen, 2013b), thereby promoting physi…”

“, load per minute, load triaxial contributions) (Cormack et al., 2013; Morin et al., 2021; Rowell et al., 2018b).”

“, 2015; Tofari, Kemp & Cormack, 2017) and injury prevention (Al Attar et al., 2017; Malone et al., 2019;Malone et al., 2016; Zouita et al., 2016).”

“, muscle soreness) in different players (Bangsbo, Mohr & Krustrup, 2006; Kraemer et al., 2004; Reilly, Drust & Clarke, 2008; Reinke et al., 2009; Silva et al., 2013a; Silva et al., 2014; Smith et al., 2018).”

“(Winter et al., 2016) as this determines the decisive decision-making situations in professional soccer (e.”

“As so, players perform intense training programs to potentiate these fitness determinants to cope with the acute and chronic demands of a high-level soccer season cycle (Brocherie et al., 2014; Chmura et al., 2019; Eliakim et al., 2018; Malone et al., 2018; Silva et al., 2014).”

“In fact, is not the match running performance alone that is important for achieving success, but rather its relation to technical/tactical skills (Hoppe et al., 2015).”

“Although, the power of VO2max to discriminate higher and lower-level players have not been unanimously reported (Marcos, Koulla & Anthos, 2018; Rampinini et al., 2009a; Slimani et al., 2019; Tonnessen et al., 2013;Wells et al., 2012; Ziogas et al., 2011), higher values of VO2max have been positively associated with pl…”

“, small sided-games) external load (precise and imprecise behaviors, respectively) can be applied within those parts of training practice to gain insight on players training status (Brink et al., 2012; Morin et al., 2021; Rago et al., 2017; Rago et al., 2018; Rowell et al., 2018b).”

“, maximal tests) and the invasive nature may explain at least in part the scarce applicability of several techniques in the real-world scenario (Carling et al., 2018).”

“We apply this procedure assuming that the players from each research within the same group belong to the same population and that their test results were extract from the same normal distribution (Schmitz et al., 2018).”

“3-km/ h) respectively) (Castagna et al., 2011; Castagna et al., 2013; Dunbar, 2002; Kalapotharakos, Ziogas & Tokmakidis, 2011; Manzi et al., 2013; Papadakis, Patras & Georgouli, 2015); (b) 3 mmol (ES = 0.”

“PPS, prior preseason phase; BCP, beginning competition phase; MCP, middle competition phase; ECP, end of competition phase; white filled circles (YYIR1); blue filled circles (YYIR2); green filled circles (YYIE2); red filled circles (30–15 test); Dashed line represents average values.”

“As so, players perform intense training programs to potentiate these fitness determinants to cope with the acute and chronic demands of a high-level soccer season cycle (Brocherie et al., 2014; Chmura et al., 2019; Eliakim et al., 2018; Malone et al., 2018; Silva et al., 2014).”

“, playing at home or away) (Augusto et al., 2021; Oliva-Lozano et al., 2021b), (iv) fixture congestion (Julian, Page & Harper, 2021; LagoPenas et al.”

“Aughey RJ. 2011.”

“We would like to highlight that in this narrative review we discussed the velocity at VO2max (vVO2max) (Kalapotharakos, Ziogas & Tokmakidis, 2011), and final velocity reached (Vam-eval and Gacon test) as one parameter (Boullosa et al., 2013; Bunc, Hráský & Skalská, 2015; Fessi et al., 2016; Lago-Peñas et al., 2013; Re…”

“, degree of stress placed at the aerobic system) may affect the magnitude of adaptations (Loturco et al., 2015a; Silva, 2019).”

“Nevertheless, their sensitivity to training is almost certainly similar (30-15 vs YYIR1) (Buchheit & Rabbani, 2014) and given the very large correlations between tests (YYIR1 vs YYIR2) practitioners have been advised to consider using only one of the Yo-Yo tests and a RSA test in a general soccer-specific field test p…”

“The latest evidence is even more curious taking into consideration that analysis of games performed by young elite players (Mendez-Villanueva et al., 2011) reveals that athletes may rarely reached their maximal sprint speed during the game.”

“…sessions traditionally applied in the other studies (Dupont, Akakpo & Berthoin, 2004; Helgerud et al., 2001; Helgerud et al., 2011; Iaia, Rampinini & Bangsbo, 2009; Impellizzeri et al., 2006; Lopez-Segovia, Palao Andres & Gonzalez-Badillo, 2010; McMillan et al., 2005; Owen et al., 2012; Sporis,…”

“, 2012), body fat (BF, n = 579) (Aziz, Tan & Teh, 2005; Bonuccelli et al., 2012; Bunc, Hráský & Skalská, 2015; Casajus, 2001; Clemente et al., 2021; D’Ascenzi et al., 2013; Devlin et al., 2017; Fessi et al., 2016; Iga et al., 2014; Kalapotharakos, Ziogas & Tokmakidis, 2011; Koundourakis et al., 2014; Lago-Peñas et al.…”

“Nevertheless, caution is needed when extrapolating these findings for professional players as these experimental studies were performed by amateur and semi-professional players (Christensen et al., 2011; Wahl, Guldner & Mester, 2014).”

“…(Askling, Karlsson & Thorstensson, 2003), the systematic study of the training induced effects of isoinertial eccentric overload has been more recently implemented in soccer (de Hoyo et al., 2015a; de Hoyo et al., 2015b; de Hoyo et al., 2016; Suarez-Arrones et al., 2018; Tous-Fajardo et al., 2016).”

“, 2012), body fat (BF, n = 579) (Aziz, Tan & Teh, 2005; Bonuccelli et al., 2012; Bunc, Hráský & Skalská, 2015; Casajus, 2001; Clemente et al., 2021; D’Ascenzi et al., 2013; Devlin et al., 2017; Fessi et al., 2016; Iga et al., 2014; Kalapotharakos, Ziogas & Tokmakidis, 2011; Koundourakis et al., 2014; Lago-Peñas et al.…”

“Interestingly, there are also indications for greater dominance of neuromuscular factors during game (Barnes et al., 2014; Pons et al., 2021).”

“Moreover, others observed that even though professional players may show a decline in VO2max from the preparation period to the end of the season, their heart rate responses during the sub-maximal version of the YYIE2 were not altered during five time-points of a soccer season (from 14 days pre-season to ECP) (Heister…”

“…HR measures make these measures an important parameter for frequent, time-efficient, and non-exhaustive testing of intermittent exercise capacity of high-level soccer players (Altmann et al., 2021; Buchheit, 2014; Buchheit, Simpson & Lacome, 2020; Ingebrigtsen et al., 2013a; Rago et al., 2020).”

“Although, the power of VO2max to discriminate higher and lower-level players have not been unanimously reported (Marcos, Koulla & Anthos, 2018; Rampinini et al., 2009a; Slimani et al., 2019; Tonnessen et al., 2013;Wells et al., 2012; Ziogas et al., 2011), higher values of VO2max have been positively associated with pl…”

“Although, the power of VO2max to discriminate higher and lower-level players have not been unanimously reported (Marcos, Koulla & Anthos, 2018; Rampinini et al., 2009a; Slimani et al., 2019; Tonnessen et al., 2013;Wells et al., 2012; Ziogas et al., 2011), higher values of VO2max have been positively associated with pl…”

“, 2012) or without (RSA) (Aziz et al., 2008) changes of direction and (iii) to the intermittent exercise performance during games (Mohr, Krustrup & Bangsbo, 2003).”

“Future research should also aim to understand seasonal changes in force capabilities during various velocities conditions and during specific motor tasks (jumping and sprinting) (Morin, 2019); efforts are already being developed in this direction (Haugen, 2018; Jimenez-Reyes et al., 2022).”

“The magnitude of alterations (MAS) may be associated with the baseline training status of players at the time of intervention (Boullosa et al., 2013).”

“Curiously, variations in body composition seems to not be associated with the players’ participation time (combined training and match exposure time) and did not differ across seasons (Carling & Orhant, 2010) and are independent of players position (Milanese et al., 2015).”

“Nevertheless, their sensitivity to training is almost certainly similar (30-15 vs YYIR1) (Buchheit & Rabbani, 2014) and given the very large correlations between tests (YYIR1 vs YYIR2) practitioners have been advised to consider using only one of the Yo-Yo tests and a RSA test in a general soccer-specific field test p…”

“Another interesting factor is that high-level soccer players seem to exhibit superior anticipation capacity accompanied by more effective search behaviors and elaborative thought processes (Casanova et al., 2013).”

“8-km/h, respectively) (Zoppi et al., 2006) and VT (ES = 0.”

“, amount of ball possession) (Arjol-Serrano et al., 2021; Bradley et al., 2013), (vii) players availability (Windt et al.”

“Interestingly all the studies, although reporting different magnitudes (small to large), observed substantial alterations between these two time-points (Mohr, Krustrup & Bangsbo, 2003; Rampinini et al., 2007b; Silva et al., 2013b).”

“Although not universally confirmed (Metaxas et al., 2009), some reports suggest that superior neuromuscular function can be observed in soccer players of a higher standard, which includes greater strength (Cometti et al.”

“, load per minute, load triaxial contributions) (Cormack et al., 2013; Morin et al., 2021; Rowell et al., 2018b).”

“, whether the team is winning, losing or drawing) (Andrzejewski et al., 2018; Augusto et al., 2021; Bradley & Noakes, 2013; Oliva-Lozano et al., 2021b), (ii) quality of opposition (LagoPenas et al.”

“Although already developed in the last millennium (Tesch, Fernandez-Gonzalo & Lundberg, 2017) and with “proof-of-concept” in soccer almost 20 years ago (Askling, Karlsson & Thorstensson, 2003), the systematic study of the training induced effects of isoinertial eccentric overload has been more recently implemented in…”

“It has been recommended that professional players should spend at least a range of 7–8% of their total training volume during the pre-season in the high-intensity category (Castagna et al., 2013).”

“In fact, the increases in VO2max found in different standard of players during the in-season period (Caldwell & Peters, 2009; Jensen et al., 2009;Magal et al., 2009) occurred under this threshold and in players of a lower standard.”

“, 2009a) on both the cardiopulmonary (Buchheit & Laursen, 2013a) and neuromuscular levels (Buchheit & Laursen, 2013b), thereby promoting physiological and performance adaptations that allow players to more successfully cope with the match and training demands (Castagna et al., 2009; Girard, Mendez-Villanueva & Bishop,…”

“Consequently, the impulse produced during these muscle actions of both concentric, isometric, and eccentric nature, with more relevance to the latter impose significant stress on the neuromuscular and physiological systems (Dellal et al., 2010; Gaudino et al., 2013; Hader et al., 2014; Hader et al., 2019).”

“, greater fatigue resistance and decrease muscle damage) (Malone et al., 2016; Owen et al., 2015; Silva, 2019; Silva & Rebelo, 2019).”

“Nassis GP. 2013.”

“, 2015; Tofari, Kemp & Cormack, 2017) and injury prevention (Al Attar et al., 2017; Malone et al., 2019;Malone et al., 2016; Zouita et al., 2016).”

“, 2013b) and in other football codes (Aughey, 2011), without improvements in the majority of physiological and functional parameters; evidence of increases in certain stress biomarkers have also been reported (Handziski et al., 2006; Heisterberg et al., 2012; Kraemer et al., 2004; Meyer & Meister, 2011; Reinke et al.,…”

“, load per minute, load triaxial contributions) (Cormack et al., 2013; Morin et al., 2021; Rowell et al., 2018b).”

“, 2012), body fat (BF, n = 579) (Aziz, Tan & Teh, 2005; Bonuccelli et al., 2012; Bunc, Hráský & Skalská, 2015; Casajus, 2001; Clemente et al., 2021; D’Ascenzi et al., 2013; Devlin et al., 2017; Fessi et al., 2016; Iga et al., 2014; Kalapotharakos, Ziogas & Tokmakidis, 2011; Koundourakis et al., 2014; Lago-Peñas et al.…”

“Longitudinal studies examining changes in the force production capacity of specific muscle groups in professional players mainly relied on isokinetic assessments, despite the discrepancy in the angular velocities analyzed (Table 2) (Eniseler et al., 2012;Malliou et al., 2003; Silva et al., 2011).”

“, 2012), acceleration (Bogdanis et al., 2009; Loturco et al., 2012), maximal speed phases (ranging from 1% to 2%) (Bogdanis et al.”

“Recent evidence suggests that the intermittent endurance capacity of players is improving over time (Elferink-Gemser et al., 2012).”

“…physiological characteristics that favor the capacity of playing a specific field position in soccer (Altmann et al., 2020; Carling & Orhant, 2010; Konefal et al., 2019b), the game demands sufficient skills such that substantial deviations from this profile remain compatible with a high standard…”

“Interestingly, when profiling adaptation in the force-velocity continuum perspective from PPS to ECP, small decrements at low (ranging from 272–273 and 251–253 Nm, respectively) (Eniseler et al., 2012), changes of trivial magnitude at moderate (ranging from 239–242 and 244 Nm, respectively) (Silva et al.”

“As so, players perform intense training programs to potentiate these fitness determinants to cope with the acute and chronic demands of a high-level soccer season cycle (Brocherie et al., 2014; Chmura et al., 2019; Eliakim et al., 2018; Malone et al., 2018; Silva et al., 2014).”

“, playing at home or away) (Augusto et al., 2021; Oliva-Lozano et al., 2021b), (iv) fixture congestion (Julian, Page & Harper, 2021; LagoPenas et al.”

“, 2009a) on both the cardiopulmonary (Buchheit & Laursen, 2013a) and neuromuscular levels (Buchheit & Laursen, 2013b), thereby promoting physiological and performance adaptations that allow players to more successfully cope with the match and training demands (Castagna et al., 2009; Girard, Mendez-Villanueva & Bishop,…”

“Interestingly, a clear variability exists, with both increments (Mohr, Krustrup & Bangsbo, 2003; Rampinini et al., 2007b; Silva et al., 2013b) and decrements (Link & de Lorenzo, 2016; Mohr, Krustrup & Bangsbo, 2003; Padron-Cabo et al., 2018) between these time-points.”

“, 2012), body fat (BF, n = 579) (Aziz, Tan & Teh, 2005; Bonuccelli et al., 2012; Bunc, Hráský & Skalská, 2015; Casajus, 2001; Clemente et al., 2021; D’Ascenzi et al., 2013; Devlin et al., 2017; Fessi et al., 2016; Iga et al., 2014; Kalapotharakos, Ziogas & Tokmakidis, 2011; Koundourakis et al., 2014; Lago-Peñas et al.…”

“As so, players perform intense training programs to potentiate these fitness determinants to cope with the acute and chronic demands of a high-level soccer season cycle (Brocherie et al., 2014; Chmura et al., 2019; Eliakim et al., 2018; Malone et al., 2018; Silva et al., 2014).”

“These previous studies reveal that this exercise model as shown to enhance common soccer tasks to at least a similar magnitude to those typical reported during the implementation of more traditional approaches during pre-season and in-season phases (Allen et al., 2021; Silva, Nassis & Rebelo, 2015).”

“, 2012), body fat (BF, n = 579) (Aziz, Tan & Teh, 2005; Bonuccelli et al., 2012; Bunc, Hráský & Skalská, 2015; Casajus, 2001; Clemente et al., 2021; D’Ascenzi et al., 2013; Devlin et al., 2017; Fessi et al., 2016; Iga et al., 2014; Kalapotharakos, Ziogas & Tokmakidis, 2011; Koundourakis et al., 2014; Lago-Peñas et al.…”

“Notwithstanding the evidence that there are physiological characteristics that favor the capacity of playing a specific field position in soccer (Altmann et al., 2020; Carling & Orhant, 2010; Konefal et al., 2019b), the game demands sufficient skills such that substantial deviations from this profile remain compatible…”

“, 2012), body fat (BF, n = 579) (Aziz, Tan & Teh, 2005; Bonuccelli et al., 2012; Bunc, Hráský & Skalská, 2015; Casajus, 2001; Clemente et al., 2021; D’Ascenzi et al., 2013; Devlin et al., 2017; Fessi et al., 2016; Iga et al., 2014; Kalapotharakos, Ziogas & Tokmakidis, 2011; Koundourakis et al., 2014; Lago-Peñas et al.…”

“Moreover, the physical demands of elite soccer players have been increasing in recent decades, not only in the amount of training and/or competitions, but also in the intensity of effort during matches, and a shorter recovery period between competitions or training sessions [14,112,113].”

“…player and context-specific, i.e., it may change according to the seasonal period (off-season, pre-season, and in-season normal or congested competitive period), players being selected for national team or not, and each player’s personal staff dimension, characteristics and qualities [16, 20, 32].”

“…of games due to the national cups usually played in this period [39 Corroborating this evidence, a recent investigation re-ported positive di ff erences in physical performance during the fi rst competitive period compared to the second competitive period in professional soccer players [40].”

“…in-competition responses with those elicited by VaMeVal, valuable insights into physical pre-paredness emerge, pinpointing areas for improvement (Silva, 2022). this holistic analysis informs the development of tailored training programs, ultimately enhancing on-field performance (clemente et…”

“As the physical demands of soccer players have evolved over time and are now more demanding, this implies different body composition characteristics than decades ago [4,5].”

“The authors added that from the middle to the ECP, the observed increments were of small magnitude in these external load variables [12].”

“It is also possible that the interindividual responses differ in different conditions due to external-internal load in fl uenced by match duration and contextual factors such as opponents ’ level and fi xture congestion (44).”

“%) of the effective playing time – are determinant for the result of the game and have been reported as a distinguishing factor between top-class and lower level players [2,3].”

“In addition, seasonal variation in V ̇ O 2 peak occurs and the largest magnitude of improvement in V ̇ O 2 peak(~7%)arisesinthepre ‐ seasonperiod(Silva,2022).”

“In this context, it is important to note that the physical performance of the soccer players Typically experience seasonal fl uctuations that should be monitorized to orient training loads and thus regulating the training stimulus (6).”

“In football, aerobic fitness is often determined and monitored using indirect football‐specific running tests as these have a high practical application and correlate nicely with performance (Krustrup et al. 2006; Silva 2022; Bradley et al. 2014).”

“The aim was to find out how various training stimuli and situation variables affect the physiological and performance parameters of the players (Silva, 2022).”

“Previous authors have also reported that CMJ-based improvements tend to be smaller in the later stages of the season compared with the beginning, suggesting that seasonal timing and accumulated load may partially explain the lack of CMJ gains observed in the present study [67].”

“Professionalsoccerplayersoftengothroughchangesinbodycompositionduringtheseason,switchingfrom morefatmasstomoreleanmass[9,10],whichiscrucialforimprovingrecoverytimeandfatigueresistance[11, 12].”

“In addition, there are anywhere from 1400 to 1600 different sprints and directional changes that take place du‐ ring the course of a football game [26].”

“…(distance traveled, distance traveled less than 6 km/h, distance traveled between 21 and 24 km/h, metabolic power) provide a competitive advantage (Silva, 2022), as it predisposes players to better resistance to fatigue (Silva et al., 2017) and faster post-match recovery (Hader et al., 2019).”

“Ancak, performansı etkileyen birçok faktör vardır (Silva, 2022).”

“A satisfactory body composition in soccer players can prevent injuries, improve fatigue resistance during games and training, reduce post-match recovery time, and maintain player performance (e.g., strength, endurance, and jump-sprint ability) (Silva 2022).”

“High-intensity sports such as soccer, basketball, and badminton impose substantial aerobic and anaerobic demands [51], consistent with prior time–motion analyses [23, 71, 72].”

“…in the study by Silva et al., which included variations in the physical health and body composition of soccer players, it was stated that body composition does not change excessively during the season, except that an increase in lean body mass and a decrease in fat percentage were observed (5).”

“Despite including a few studies conducted on footballers from Danish tiers, the majority of studies included in the review by Silva [11] included footballers from southern Europe and other countries in which the competitive season is not on hold during the winter.”

“Furthermore, jump and sprint and maximal aerobic capacity performances were expected to improve from preparation to mid-season following training adaptations [22].”

“These findings are in contrast with previous studies reporting consistent CMJ performance over in-season periods in soccer players [7, 8, 11, LL low-level group, HL High-level group.”

“Match and seasonal performance are influenced by neuromuscular, endurance-related, and game-related factors that fluctuate across the competitive season and contribute to changes in football-specific performance outcomes [1].”

“These actions impose substantial mechanical and metabolic demands, and their accumulation across training sessions and matches may contribute to both physical adaptations and fatigue accumulation throughout the season [3].”

“…soccer matches typically last 2 × 35-45 min and are characterized by intermittent activity patterns, with players repeatedly alternating between low-intensity locomotion, high-speed running, very-high-speed running, and sprinting, continuously challenging multiple physiological systems (1 – 3).”