NUTRITION OF FOOTBALL GOALKEEPER: DIFFERENCES WITH THE FIELD PLAYER

In this article we focus on the alimentation of the elite goalkeeper and its differences with the field player. Footballers, like any athlete, need a varied diet to avoid nutrient deficits that may harm health or performance.

Consumption of carbohydrates (like pasta, rice, bread, and fruits) is essential for field players, since due to the long distances covered at variable intensities during competition (approximately 10 kilometers per game for professional players), its main energy pathway is the glycolytic system, which requires a large glycogen reserve (body carbohydrate deposit).

The elite goalkeeper usually performs 4 to 10 defensive actions at high intensity per game (in shooting situations, aerial play, 1 vs 1, short crosses and anticipations), although of very short duration and with long intervals between them (1, 2). The distance traveled is approximately 4-6 kilometers per game (2) and its main energy path is the ATP- PC System (efforts <10 seconds).

In training sessions during the differences in total physical demands with field players are less obvious. Analyzing the distance covered during training, a greater overlap in ranges is observed: 2-5 kilometers for the goalkeepers against 3-6 kilometers for their teammates (3. 4. 5). Besides, direct comparison with field players is difficult because goalkeepers train in a different way, performing intensive exercises mostly based on short, explosive, and reactive efforts.

Therefore, the energy needs and the systems used to provide energy to the goalkeeper are characterized by:

• Less dependence on glycogen reserves. These are mainly used during training, but to a lesser extent than by field players.

• The main fuel used will come from the ATP-PC System.

Considering that the body composition in this position is characterized by a greater proportion of lean mass, the goalkeeper may benefit from a higher intake of proteins (6).

There are also differences in energy expenditure, being approximately 18% less for the goalkeeper (2900kcal vs. 3500kcal, approximately) that for the field player. Therefore, the caloric value of the nutrition plan for goalkeepers should be lower (7, 8).

Another relevant aspect is hydration, before, during and after physical activity, since a low levels of hydration can decrease strength and power, essential characteristics for the position (9). Also, it can affect cognitive performance, reducing attention and reaction levels, the speed of resolution to situations, and disturbing mood (10, 11).

In summary, the nutritional regimen of the elite goalkeeper should not be the same as that of the outfield players, with less energy and carbohydrate intakes.

References

1.     Di Salvo V, Benito PJ, Calderon FJ, Di Salvo M & Pigozzi F. Activity profile of elite goalkeepers during football match-play. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2008;48(4):443–6.

2.     White, A., Hills, S. P., Cooke, C. B., Batten, T., Kilduff, L. P., Cook, C. J. & Russell, M. (2018). Match-Play and Performance Test Responses of Soccer Goalkeepers: A Review of Current Literature. Sports Medicine. doi:10.1007/s40279-018-0977-2.

3.     Malone, J. J., Jaspers, A., Helsen, W., Merks, B., Frencken, W. G. P., & Brink, M. S. (2018). Seasonal Training Load and Wellness Monitoring in a Professional Soccer Goalkeeper. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 13(5), 672–675. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2017-0472.

4.     Cortizo, L. H., Bocchino, M. (2020). CATAPULT – Webinar, utilización de la tecnología wearable en arqueros.

5.     Kelly, D. M., Strudwick, A. J., Atkinson, G., Drust, B., & Gregson, W. (2019). Quantification of training and match-load distribution across a season in elite English Premier League soccer players. Science and Medicine in Football, 1–9. doi:10.1080/24733938.2019.1651934.

6.     Milsom, J., Naughton, R., O’Boyle, A., Iqbal, Z., Morgans, R., Drust, B., & Morton, J. P. (2015). Body composition assessment of English Premier League soccer players: a comparative DXA analysis of first team, U21 and U18 squads. Journal of Sports Sciences, 33(17), 1799–1806. doi:10.1080/02640414.2015.1012101.

7.     Anderson, L., Close, G. L., Morgans, R., Hambly, C., Speakman, J. R., Drust, B., & Morton, J. P. (2018). Case Study: Assessment of Energy Expenditure of a Professional Goalkeeper From the English Premier League Using the Doubly Labeled Water Method. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 1–13. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2018-0520.

8.     Brinkmans, N. Y. J., Iedema, N., Plasqui, G., Wouters, L., Saris, W. H. M., van Loon, L. J. C., & van Dijk, J.-W. (2019). Energy expenditure and dietary intake in professional football players in the Dutch Premier League: Implications for nutritional counselling. Journal of Sports Sciences, 1–9. doi:10.1080/02640414.2019.1576256.

9.      Judelson, D. A., Maresh, C. M., Anderson, J. M., Armstrong, L. E., Casa, D. J., Kraemer, W. J., & Volek, J. S. (2007). Hydration and Muscular Performance. Sports Medicine, 37(10), 907–921. doi:10.2165/00007256-200737100-00006.

10.  Adan, A. (2012). Cognitive Performance and Dehydration. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 31(2), 71–78. doi:10.1080/07315724.2012.10720011

11.  McCartney, D., Desbrow, B., & Irwin, C. (2017). The Effect of Fluid Intake Following Dehydration on Subsequent Athletic and Cognitive Performance: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Medicine – Open, 3(1). doi:10.1186/s40798-017-0079-y.