Purpose: There is a literature gap regarding positional differences between variables of situational efficiency during official matches in youth soccer. This study analyzed differences in offensive and defensive situational efficiency parameters based on playing positions among elite junior soccer players. Methods: A total of 22 elite U-19 players who participated in 17 matches of the first junior soccer league participated in the study. Players were categorized by the position: center backs, full backs, center midfielders, and forwards. Situational efficiency was assessed using 19 variables, including 11 related to offensive efficiency and 8 to defensive efficiency. Differences between positions were determined by the use of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Bonferroni post-hoc test for significant comparisons. Results: Differences between positions in variables regarding attacking efficiency in 90 minutes were found in: the percentage of accurate passes, accurate passes, accurate and inaccurate long balls, accurate progressive passes, and unsuccessful dribbles. In the defensive parameters of situational efficiency in 90 minutes, differences were found in the following variables: number of second-balls wins, successful aerial duels, number of interceptions, blocked shots, clearances, and total defensive actions. Discussion: Center backs and full backs are increasingly demanded to play with ball in order to maintain possession play or even to create chances for other teammates. During matches the most accurate passes and long balls were performed by center backs, while most progressive passes and crosses were performed by full backs. Expectedly, the most defensive actions were achieved by center backs, except for the second-ball wins, where central midfielders achieved the highest average values. On the other hand, forwards played more freely and took more risks than other players, which resulted in the lowest passing accuracy and the highest number of unsuccessful dribbles. Conclusion: Obtained results provide an additional insight and understanding of the situational efficiency and match demands for different playing positions in elite youth soccer. These results can improve the identification and selection process of players, especially for the assessment of the position potential.
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