Current performance and future potential of youth elite-level football players: Insights from both objective data and coach assessments

Football clubs use both objective and subjective assessments to continuously identify the most promising players and develop them towards professional athletes. This study investigated the associations between clubs' objective and subjective performance measures to gain a deeper understanding of their interplay. To this end, 331 elite youth football players (9 to 14 years) completed a test battery assessing anthropometry, physical performance, technical performance, and motor coordination. Additionally, coaches rated players' current performance and future potential using a visual analogue scale (0-100). Univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis with 95% confidence intervals were applied to explore associations between objective and subjective measures. A strong correlation emerged between performance and potential ratings (r = 0.70). Furthermore, faster sprint times, higher jumps, and better change of direction appeared to be associated with higher subjective ratings. The sprint (e.g. 30 m) was a key predictor of both performance (4.04 [1.27, 6.79]) and potential scores (6.27 [2.90, 9.63]). Players with subjective performance and potential scores above 50 or 66 outperformed those below 50 or 66 in sprint, change of direction, and jumping performance. These findings highlight a strong link between subjective ratings and objective performance. An integrated approach combining both assessment types is crucial for talent development.