Abstract

This study investigated the longitudinal match performance characteristics in the English Premier League
(EPL), with special reference to player nationality (UK vs. non-UK). Match observations (n = 14700) were
10 collected using a multi-camera computerised tracking system across 7 consecutive EPL seasons (2006–2007 to
2012–2013). Player nationality referred to their birthplace, with players born in England, Scotland, Wales or
Northern Ireland classified as the UK players and other nationalities considered non-UK. The non-UK players
demonstrated the most pronounced increases in high-intensity running distance across the 7 seasons
compared with UK players (P < 0.001, ES: 0.91 vs. 0.73). The UK players covered more high-intensity running
15 distance in 2006–2007 (P < 0.001, ES: 0.24 [CI 0.17–0.31]), however by 2012–2013 both populations covered
similar distances (P > 0.05, ES: 0.08 [CI 0.01–0.15]). In contrast, the non-UK players performed more passes in
2006–2007 compared with the UK players (P < 0.001, ES: 0.23 [CI 0.16–0.3]), however by 2012–2013, passing
performance between the UK and non-UK players was equal (P > 0.05, ES: 0.05 [CI −0.01–0.13]). The data
demonstrates that the longitudinal match performance characteristics in the EPL are similar between the UK
20 and non-UK populations.