Evolution of physical and technical performance in the Turkish Super League

Abstract

This study compared physical and technical performance parameters of matches across three consecutive seasons (2020–2023) in the Turkish Super League (TSL). A total of 936 official matches were analyzed. Four physical and fourteen technical performance parameters were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) applied to season-averaged match data. Performance parameters demonstrated overall improvements across the three seasons; total distance covered (TD) ∼6% corresponding to a large effect size (ES) (p < .001, η² = 0.20), high-intensity running (HSR) ∼10% reflecting a medium ES (p < .001, η² = 0.12), sprint ∼20.3%; however, this change was associated with a small-to-medium ES (p < .001, η² = 0.10), maximal speed (MSS) ∼1.2% corresponded to a small ES (p < .001, η² = 0.06). Offensive performance showed gains in expected goals (xG) ∼13%, box entries ∼7.2%, passes ∼3%, completed passes ∼2.6%, key passes ∼20% and completed key passes ∼17.5% (all p < 0.05). Defensive actions also improved, with interceptions ∼5% and duels ∼4%, though the magnitude of change corresponded to a small effect size (η² ≈ 0.01). These findings suggest progressive enhanced physical and technical performance, indicating an overall increase in match intensity across seasons in the TSL.