Did you know different football positions require different types of food? Players need their energy levels to be high for a match, but each player and position needs a different type of energy. It is a common misconception that players should eat and drink the same things. That just isn’t true. The days of players eating and drinking whatever they like before running it off in training or matches is a thing of the past. Players must eat the right football foods, or face a rapid loss of energy. A poor diet can also mean players don’t recover from energy as fast either.

What football foods should you eat?

Defence

Defensive players need to be strong, therefore, eating foods high in protein is a must. The protein will help defenders grow their muscles. That isn’t the only reason defenders need protein though. The physical type of play that defenders perform puts strain on their bodies. Due to the strain, muscles, tendons and ligaments breakdown. Eating protein rich foods and drinking protein shakes will help the body rebuild after a match or training session.

Midfield

Midfield players should eat plenty of protein and they can refuel with a shake just like defenders. However, midfielders need a lot of carbs to go along with that protein. Due to the amount of constant movement a midfielder must make, whether bombing down the flank or moving box-to-box, they need to fuel those runs. One of the main football foods a midfielder can consume is not really a food, but a drink. Sports drinks like Gatorade are key to helping keep midfielders hydrated and full of carbs.

Attackers

Like midfielders, attacking players should focus on carbs to give them the stamina over 90 minutes they need to perform. Consuming a sports drinking prior to a match will help attacking players get that boost of energy needed when they take on a defender one on one.

Goalkeepers

Protein is key for a goalkeepers as top players in the position need to be strong. Having muscles that can react quickly to make saves is also important, and fuelling those muscles with protein in foods and shakes is a way to prepare the body. One top nutritionist, Dana Ryan, recommends goalkeepers take caffeine 30 minutes before training sessions or matches. This will heighten the sense and have a goalkeeper ready to react. Coffee or tea is the best way to introduce caffeine to the system.

By having the right nutrition, football players can improve their performances on the pitch. Improve your performance and you increase the chance of being offered a professional football contract some day.