Authors : Mohamad Razali Abdullah, Rabiu Muazu Musa, Ahmad Bisyri Husin Musawi Maliki, Norlaila Azura Kosni and Muhammad Aiman Aziz
Abstract: The selection of vital Performance Parameters (PPs) in soccer game might differ from coach to coach. However, if sets of PPs can be recognized and precise operational definitions characterized, there is substantial gain since it is through the selection of the PPs that players can be successfully evaluated. This study aims to identify the most essential PPs in outfield soccer players. Two professional head coaches from different teams defined their PPs and performances of the players from both teams were analyzed during three competitions. A total of 27 PPs actions from 31 players were quantified and Principle Components Analysis (PCA) was employed to identify the most significant PPs in the game. The initial PCA identified eight essential PPs out of the 27 as the most significant for the game with eigenvalues (>1). However, the PCA after varimax rotation revealed eight varifactors (VF) with higher positive factor loadings containing crosses (0.87), dribbles (0.92) and through passes (0.90) while further VFs contain interception at back third (1/3) (0.82), interception at mid1/3 (0.88), interception at front1/3 (0.77), tackling at mid1/3 (0.71), tackling at front 1/3 (0.92), free kick won back 1/3 (0.72), free kick won mid 1/3 (0.72), free kick won front 1/3 (0.87), shot outside box (0.81), shot inside box (0.72), clearings (0.93), headings (0.86), distribution of passes (0.62), fouls (0.82), passes back 1/3 (0.63), chasing loose balls (0.67) and open-space (0.87). Technical and tactical ability PPs are required for successful evaluation of outfield soccer players.
Mohamad Razali Abdullah, Rabiu Muazu Musa, Ahmad Bisyri Husin Musawi Maliki, Norlaila Azura Kosni and Muhammad Aiman Aziz, 2016. The Application of Principle Components Analysis to Identify Essential Performance Parameters in Outfield Soccer Players. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 11: 1199-1205.