Network measures and digraph theory applied to soccer analysis : midfielder is the key player in youth teams

Oliveira, Patrícia; Manuel Clemente, Filipe; M. L. Martins, Fernando

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/46875

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Authors

Oliveira, Patrícia

Manuel Clemente, Filipe

M. L. Martins, Fernando

Abstract(s)

Graph and digraph theories have been used to test the relationships between teammates and the network properties of team sports. Nevertheless, no studies in young soccer teams have been found, as far we know. Therefore, the objective of the study was to apply network measures to identify centrality levels of young soccer players during official matches and analyse the variance between tactical positions and tactical line-ups. Seventy young soccer players from under-10 competitive level were observed during 10 matches. Significant statistical differences were found between players’ positions in IDC (p = 0.001; ES = 0.090; minimum effect); ODC (p = 0.001; ES = 0.156; minimum effect); and BC (p = 0.001; ES = 0.110; minimum effect) variables. No significant statistical differences were found between 1-3-2-1 and 1-2-3-1 line-ups for %IDC (p = 0.113; ES = 0.056; minimum effect), %ODC (p = 0.126; ES = 0.048; minimum effect) and %BC (p = 0.204; ES = 0.035; minimum effect). This study found that midfielder is the key position on the field, being a linkage player to attacking building.