An investigation into differences in general intelligence and coaches' subjective assessment of players' decision-making skills across different playing positions in EPPP association football academies

With developments in tactical complexity in association football (soccer) general intelligence and decision-making are becoming increasingly important attributes for players at all levels. However, an absence of evidence regarding general intelligence and decision-making across different positions within English Academy soccer indicates that it is unknown how specific intelligence in soccer needs to be for successful performance. This study aimed to 1) examine differences in general intelligence scores between different playing positions, 2) investigate differences in coach assessed decision-making ability between different playing positions and 3) assess differences between general intelligence test score ranks and decision-making ranks awarded by coaches to each player per position. One hundred and one participants, aged 16–18 years were recruited from eight clubs in the English Football League. Participants completed an established psychometric test of general intelligence and the lead development phase coach at each club ranked players' decision-making ability. There were 99 outfield players who participated: 37 defenders, 34 midfielders and 28 attackers. No difference was found in general intelligence scores between playing positions. However, a significant difference was found in decision-making ranks, with coaches determining attacker's decision-making to be lower than midfielders and defenders. Likewise, no difference was found between general intelligence and decision-making ranks for either defenders or midfielders, but a difference was observed between attackers' general intelligence and decision-making ranks. In conclusion, attacker's game intelligence appears to be underestimated by coaches. Consequently, utilisation of a psychometric test of general intelligence could enhance identification of talented players in Academy soccer. • No difference in general intelligence between different football positions. • No difference in decision-making ability between midfielders and defenders. • Coaches ranked attackers as weaker decision-makers than defenders and midfielders. • Attackers' general intelligence rank was higher than their decision-making rank.