A new lens on football match intensity: from the most demanding passage to extremely demanding passage

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Abstract
This study examines positional differences in physical and technical performance during the extremely demanding passage (EDP) in the Chinese Super League (CSL), using a 5-minute time window and a high-intensity running (HIR) threshold of ≥ 19.8 km/h. Data from 176 matches (n = 109 players, 438 observations) in the 2019 season were analysed using generalised mixed linear models. Results showed that: (1) The mean HIR distance during the EDP was 50%–60% higher than during the most demanding passage (MDP). (2) During the EDP, central defenders (CD) achieved the fewest total distance (695 ± 51 m) and HIR distance (251 ± 15 m) but excelled in ball control metrics, including the longest running with the ball average length (6.9 ± 8.7 m) and the highest forward passes (1.5 ± 1.2). (3) Central midfielders (CM) covered the most total distance (796 ± 46 m) and HIR distance (343 ± 27 m). These findings underscore the specific physical and technical demands of CDs and CMs compared to other positions during the EDP, necessitating role-specific strategies to optimise performance.

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