Integrating Antrhropometrics. Neuro-functional and Match Performance Aspects. Professional Player´s Development Model

Talent detection and selection in the developing process of professional players is a task that requires data analysis, creativity, innovation, planning and at least the assessment of the physical, technical, tactical, cognitive and social dimensions.
Once the players have been selected, comprehensive training of each of them is a long- term process that requires a methodology and a training model development. The aim is that the players could have clear professional goals, bearing in mind that a young player is not a “little adult”. But, which categories, variables and indicators of each dimension the model should have in order to correspond with the match performance? And how, through the implementation of the indicators, is the training process supported and the development assessed?
Currently, it is clearly relevant the importance of the variables that measure technical skills in order to forecast future performances. It is also evident that the knowledge of assessment methods and models is limited. Thus, it is suggested the use of new technologies, match analysis and the development of new assessment tools.
In this context, this research pursues the implementation of an integration methodology of the following aspects: anthropometric, neuro-functional and tracking (movement analysis during competition), as a basis for the design and implementation of a development model for professional players of Pachuca Fútbol Club in Mexico. Therefore, the methods and outcomes of the following are addressed: (i) the implementation of experts’ consultation workshops (Delphi method) in order to define the desirable attributes of elite players, that considered the position of the player and the analysis of the neuro-functional assessments obtained through qualitative tests, anthropometric body compositions tests and maturational level, competition evaluations through video analysis (match analysis) and physical profile during competition (match performance).
The measurements were applied to a group of professional players of Pachuca Fútbol Club that belongs to the Mexican Premier League (La Liga MX), as an assessment of their performance according to their role in the team during the 2019 season.
Based on the outcomes obtained in competitions concerning age, position, physical ability and playing intensity (Fig. 2) we argue that our approach based on data science and complexity sciences allows us to have a cross-sectional and comprehensive insight of the player throughout his/her development. The key interactions revealed among the dimensions of the model have provided crucial information to guide the main processes on which Pachuca Fútbol Club is based: talent detection, setting activities and training sessions environments adapted to the players development needs and the competition analysis.