Who Runs the Most? Positional Demands in a 4-3-3 Formation Among Elite Youth Footballers

This study aimed to examine position-specific physical demands among elite U19 football players competing in a 4-3-3 formation, using data collected via STATSports GPS technology. A total of 23 players from a top-tier Bosnian club, FK "Sarajevo", were monitored during 26 official matches in the 2024/2025 season. Match data included total distance, distance in six speed zones, high-speed running (HSR), sprint distance, number of sprints, maximum speed, and acceleration/deceleration events. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc analyses revealed significant positional differences across all performance metrics (p < 0.05). Central midfielders (CMs) covered the greatest total distance and distance per minute, while side defenders (SD) and forwards (FWs) recorded the highest values in sprint distance, HSR, and sprint frequency. Central defenders (CDs) consistently demonstrated the lowest outputs in high-speed and sprint metrics. These findings highlight the distinct physical profiles required for each playing position in a 4-3-3 system and provide practical insights for designing position-specific training and load management strategies in elite youth football.