INTRODUCTION: Identifying talent with relevant physical predictors to establish players at the elite level has always been topical for soccer and sport science departments. But due to the large number of factors responsible for performance, there is still no consensus for the selection of key objective tests. However, the professionalisation of youth soccer has resulted in increased physical requirements of the players. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine physical predictors to differentiate players who have reached the highest level (national team) of youth elite soccer compared to non-selected peers. METHODS: Male youth players category U16 and U17 (n=32) from an elite academy were recruited (age, 15.74 ±0.58 y; stature, 177.3 ±5.9 cm; body mass, 64.9 ±6.7 kg). Isokinetic strength of knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) were measured (Cybex NORM®, Humac, USA). Vertical ground force reaction (VGR) and total impulse (TI) during countermovement jump were calculated (Kistler AG, Switzerland). Acceleration (0-5, 5-10, 10-20 m), change of direction (505R, 505L) and flying linear test (F10 and F20) by photocells were measured (Timer Browing system, Utah, USA). A treadmill v-VO2max was recorded (Cosmos, Germany). Body fat by bioimpedance was determined (Tanita Corp, Japan). Somatic maturity status was determined using peak height velocity (PHV). Predictors were classified into three blocks: speed (0-5 m, 5-10 m, 10-20 m, 505P, 505L, 10F, 20F, v-VO2max), strength (KE, KF, VGR, TI) and somatic (stature, body mass, % body fat, PHV). Binary logistic regression with stepwise forward likelihood method was utilised (entry and removal of model was set at p <0.05). Based on the criteria of success in the national team, the players were classified into two groups: non-national team (NNT, n=17) or national team (NT, n=15). Pearson`s correlation coefficient determined associations among variables. RESULTS: Significantly higher values of acceleration 0-5 m and v-VO2max in NT compared to the NNT group were found (5.07 ±0.15 vs 4.85 ±0.16 m•s-2; 4.68 ±0.23 vs 4.50 ±0.20 m•s-1, p<0.05). Significantly lower times on 10F, 20F and 505L in NT compared to NNT group were found (1.17 ±0.04 vs 1.22 ±0.04 s; 2.34 ±0.06 vs 2.45 ±0.11 s; 2.26 ±0.07 vs 2.35 ±0.09 s, p<0.05). Significant high (r=0.7-0.9) correlations were found (0-5 m vs F20; 505R vs 505L; stature vs body mass, p<0.001). Significantly moderate (r=0.5-0.7) and negative correlation among blocks was found (VGR vs F20, p<0.01). Final model identified two significant variables (505L and 10F, p<0.05), which predicted correctly NT from 86.7% and NNT from 88.2% (X2=21.62, R2=49.1 %, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that speed abilities compared to strength and somatic characteristics favour success in youth soccer at a national level. Soccer coaches should continue to focus on important predictors of performance in the development of elite talent.
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