Unveiling the potential of soccer goalkeepers: Essential anthropometric insights and profile development for effective talent identification

Abstract

In football, a goalkeeper's performance is heavily influenced by key anthropometric traits that distinguish the great from the good. This study explored critical traits such as height (H), weight (W), arm span (AS), thigh circumference (TC), calf circumference (CC) and upper arm circumference (UAC) to determine their role in identifying top talent among sub-junior goalkeepers while developing a standardized scale for precise talent assessment. Data were collected from 95 soccer goalkeepers, aged 10-15, from various academies in Kerala, India. Standardized assessments ensured accuracy along with consistency and these attributes impacted reach, agility, strength and balance, all of which are essential for goalkeeping performance. A single component with factor loadings above 0.7 was identified, highlighting key anthropometric traits for talent identification. TC had the highest loading (0.836), followed by H (0.821), CC (0.805), AS (0.753) and UAC (0.721), explained most variability. Reliability analysis showed that acceptable consistency (0.778), improved to 0.808 after excluding UAC and CC. Findings confirmed that H, AS and TC as the most critical traits for a reliable goalkeeper talent identification model. Percentile-based extremes for key traits were identified: H (149.00 cm-175.00 cm), AS (154.00 cm-185.00 cm) and TC (37.00 cm-51.00 cm). Five evaluation categories including excellent, above average, moderate, below average and needs improvement were established and constructed a standard profile for talent identification in sub-junior goalkeepers.