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Physiological and anthropometric characteristics of Croatian national football team players

Ahmet Naci DİLEK, Parham Jalali, Aida Mohammadi, Hadi Nobari, Adem Preljević, Boriss Bazanov et al. · Journal of Human Sport and Exercise · 2026

Researchers profiled 17 elite players from the Croatian national football team, measuring blood lactate, relative oxygen uptake (VO2max), height, body mass, and body fat by playing position. Players averaged 10.46 mmol/L blood lactate and 60.91 mL/kg/min relative oxygen consumption, indicating well-developed aerobic and anaerobic capacity, with profiles differing by position in line with each role's tactical and physical demands.
Takeaway: Train toward the demands of your specific playing position rather than a single generic fitness template, while building both aerobic and high-intensity capacity.
Abstract (source)

The

Aim: of this study was to analyse physiological and anthropometric characteristics of Croatian national football team players, with particular focus on blood lactate concentration, relative oxygen consumption, body height, body mass, body fat percentage, and playing position. The sample consisted of 17 elite football players. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for all analysed variables. The average blood lactate concentration was 10.46 ± 1.12 mmol/L, while the average relative oxygen consumption was 60.91 ± 3.15 mL/kg/min. The players demonstrated highly developed aerobic and anaerobic capacities characteristic of elite football populations. Anthropometric and physiological profiles differed according to playing position, reflecting specific tactical and physical demands in modern football.

Primary studyOpen accessEndurance & Cardiovascular
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