Do central midfielders from higher-ranked teams perform differently? Evidence from Indonesia Liga 1
Keywords:
Central midfielder, Physical performance, Technical performance, SoccerAbstract
Background: Central midfielders (CMs) have essential roles in modern soccer as a connector between the attacking and defensive lines, maintaining game tempo, ball circulation, and supporting team organisation during transition. However, limited evidence about the physical and technical performance of CMs in teams from different ranks is scarce, especially in non-European leagues. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the physical and technical performance of CMs from high-, middle-, and low-ranked teams in Liga 1 Indonesia. Methods: 381 match observations from 34 CMs were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni post hoc comparisons and ordinal eta-squared to estimate the effect size. Results: All variables, except progressive passes, showed significant differences. The largest effect size was observed for acceleration, and the medium effect size for deceleration, confirming that explosive actions were the strongest discriminators between CMs across ranking levels. Significant others' variables displayed small effect sizes (total distance, high-intensity running distance, pass accuracy, successful passes, short passes, medium passes, and long passes). The highest values of acceleration, deceleration, high-intensity running distance, pass accuracy, successful passes, and short passes were observed in the high-ranked CMs. Conclusion: CMs’ technical and physical performance differs by team ranking, with high-ranked CMs characterised by greater explosive movement and accurate short-passing circulation. The results give useful reference points for developing CM in Indonesia. This study was limited to a single season within one league and didn’t take into account other contextual factors. Future research should consider contextual factors in the analysis.
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Author Biographies
Muhamad Fahmi Hasan, Department of Sport Science, School of Pharmachy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
Kartono Pramdhan, Department of Physical Education, Sport, Health and Recreation, Sekolah Tinggi Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan, Cimahi, Indonesia
Normandi Alpha Junio, Department of Sport Science, School of Pharmachy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
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Accepted 2026-07-23
Published 2026-08-24
