How do you know you have potential to play professional football?
- Ian McClurg - MSc Performance Coaching
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
Source: Paul Bradley - Learn more about the latest performance data in English Premier League
Tips on how to measure your current performance levels and elevate towards EPL standards.
Since launching my coaching business over 20 years ago, my focus has always been the same. Can I help players reach the playing standards required to realistically pursue professional playing contracts in Europe? We are all aware that the odds of becoming a professional football player are extremely low. For example, the odds of a UK football player, currently playing at an academy at a professional club reaching the professional game, is around 1%.
We have helped develop players who have subsequently went on to play in the EPL, La Liga and represented their countries. However, I always ensure that our pathways to professional clubs in the UK and Europe provide our players with the options to continue their education.
In 20+ years of helping players secure training and professional trials in Europe I am always surprised that few young players (and their families) do little research on the performance levels required to play professionally.
In my opinion, all young players who have the belief and dedication to realistically pusue professional football should 1) Understand the performance requirements of professional football and 2) Start to track their current performance metrics so that they can understand the current gap and track their progress.
Listed below is some information that may help young players improve their understanding of the performance levels required and how they can start tracking their progress in comparison to academy players at EPL clubs.
Age-Group Performance Metrics
EPL academies follow the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), which structures training and competition across different age categories (U9–U23). Physical demands increase as players mature. Here are some performance metrics by age-group and also what the performance focus should be by age-group.
Under-14 to Under-16 (U14–U16)
Total Distance Covered per Match: ~6–8 km
High-Speed Running (>5.5 m/s): ~400–800 meters
Sprint Distance (>7.0 m/s): ~100–300 meters
Peak Sprint Speed: ~28–31 km/h
Number of Accelerations (>3 m/s²): ~300–500
VO2 Max (Aerobic Capacity): ~50–60 ml/kg/min
🔹 Focus: Skill development, tactical awareness, and improving endurance/speed.
Under-18 (U18)
Total Distance: 9–11 km per match
High-Speed Running: 800–1,200 meters
Sprint Distance: 300–500 meters
Peak Sprint Speed: 31–34 km/h
Accelerations (>3 m/s²): ~400–600
🔹 Focus: Increased strength and speed training, transition to adult playing demands.
Under-21 / Under-23 (U21–U23)
Total Distance: 10–12 km per match
High-Speed Running: 1,200–1,800 meters
Sprint Distance: 400–700 meters
Peak Sprint Speed: 32–36 km/h
Accelerations (>3 m/s²): 500–800
🔹 Focus: Preparing for professional first-team intensity, physical robustness, and match endurance.
Train towards EPL performance standards using our Pro Training Online APP - here
Position-Specific Performance Metrics
Different positions require specialized physical attributes. GPS tracking from EPL academies highlights key differences:
Goalkeepers (GK)
Total Distance: ~4–6 km
High-Intensity Running: <200 meters
Sprints: <10 per game
Reaction Time: <250 ms
Vertical Jump: 60–75 cm
🔹 Primary focus on reflexes, strength, and explosive power.
Central Defenders (CB)
Total Distance: 9–10 km
High-Intensity Running: 800–1,000 meters
Sprint Distance: 200–400 meters
Peak Sprint Speed: 30–34 km/h
Aerial Duel Success: ~70%
🔹 Strong focus on strength, positioning, and aerial ability.
Full-Backs (FB) / Wing-Backs (WB)
Total Distance: 10–12 km
High-Intensity Running: 1,200–1,500 meters
Sprint Distance: 400–600 meters
Peak Sprint Speed: 33–37 km/h
Crossing Accuracy: 30–40%
🔹 High-speed endurance and agility for overlapping runs.
Central Midfielders (CM / CDM)
Total Distance: 11–13 km
High-Intensity Running: 1,000–1,500 meters
Sprint Distance: 200–500 meters
Pass Accuracy: 85–92%
🔹 Requires high endurance, agility, and playmaking ability.
Wingers (LW / RW)
Total Distance: 10–12 km
High-Intensity Running: 1,200–1,700 meters
Sprint Distance: 400–700 meters
Peak Sprint Speed: 34–37 km/h
Dribbling Success Rate: 50–70%
🔹 High sprint volume, dribbling, and agility are key.
Strikers (ST)
Total Distance: 9–11 km
High-Intensity Running: 1,000–1,400 meters
Sprint Distance: 300–600 meters
Peak Sprint Speed: 32–36 km/h
Shots on Target Accuracy: 45–60%
🔹 Focus on explosive power, finishing, and movement off the ball.
Training Load Considerations
EPL academies use GPS tracking & heart rate monitoring to regulate training loads:
Young players (U14–U16) prioritize skill development over physical overload.
Older academy players (U18–U23) experience a progressive increase in sprinting volume and high-intensity efforts to prepare for first-team play.
Load management is key to prevent injuries, particularly for players transitioning to first-team training.
Conclusion
EPL academy players' performance metrics vary by age (as physical and tactical demands increase) and position (reflecting specific roles on the field). Clubs focus on structured physical development, sports science monitoring, and position-specific training to ensure young players are prepared for professional-level competition.
To help our young players successfully compete with these players, we provide players with individual training plans via our online training App - learn more here and also have several players using the SMART Shin Pads provided by Target Football UK - learn more here.
Get in touch if you wish to learn more about how you can start tracking your current performance levels versus academy players at EPL academies and we can help you reach these standards through our various training programs.
