Interpreting Weekly External Load in Professional Soccer: A Position-Based and Context-Driven Approach for the “Real World” Setting

Abstract

Purpose This study analyzed the weekly external load of professional soccer players with two main aims: 1) to describe the external load based on match-contextual difficulty and playing position; 2) to compare the external load in contexts of low and high match-contextual difficulty. Methods Eighteen professional soccer players were monitored over 13 weeks using GPS units and accelerometers. Players participating for at least 60 minutes in non-congested weeks were analyzed for total distance, distances covered at various speeds and acceleration levels, and Player Load. Match difficulties were categorized as "high" (score > 10) or "low" (score ≤ 10) and determined using match location and quality of opposition. Results The results revealed that the highest external loads occurred mid-week, decreasing towards the week's end, with external defenders and midfielders facing higher demands than central defenders and forwards. In low-difficulty scenarios (p < 0.001–0.030), external loads were higher than in high-difficulty scenarios, particularly on days preceding a match (MD-4 to MD-2). Conversely, high-difficulty matches increased distance and mechanical work on specific days (MD-3 and MD-1) (p < 0.001–0.020). Conclusion The findings suggest that external load varies significantly with match context, offering valuable insights for tailoring training loads according to position and upcoming match difficulty.