How would Harry Kane’s diet differ from Jordan Pickford’s?
It’s not one size fits all – the physiological demands, and consequently energy requirements, of the game differ according to the player’s position on the team.
For instance, while midfielders usually cover the longest distances (10-13 km – about a quarter of a marathon) per match, goalkeepers cover very short distances (around 1 km).
Intensity is another key factor to consider, with forwards usually covering the longest high-speed running distances (0.6 –1 km). On average, a top class player performs about 150-250 brief intense actions during a game requiring a combination of speed, agility along with strength.
Therefore, while forwards and midfielders may require more energy in the form of carbohydrates, goalkeepers with lower energy requirements may need less, and instead opt for more quality protein, vegetables and salads.