A new lens on football match intensity: from the most demanding passage to extremely demanding passage

This study examines positional differences in physical and technical performance during the extremely demanding passage (EDP) in the Chinese Super League (CSL), using a 5-minute time window and a high-intensity running (HIR) threshold of ≥ 19.8 km/h. Data from 176 matches (n = 109 players, 438 observations) in the 2019 season were analysed using generalised mixed linear models. Results showed that: (1) The mean HIR distance during the EDP was 50%-60% higher than during the most demanding passage (MDP). (2) During the EDP, central defenders (CD) achieved the fewest total distance (695 ± 51 m) and HIR distance (251 ± 15 m) but excelled in ball control metrics, including the longest running with the ball average length (6.9 ± 8.7 m) and the highest forward passes (1.5 ± 1.2). (3) Central midfielders (CM) covered the most total distance (796 ± 46 m) and HIR distance (343 ± 27 m). These findings underscore the specific physical and technical demands of CDs and CMs compared to other positions during the EDP, necessitating role-specific strategies to optimise performance.