A 2017 study published in PLOS ONE further strengthens the growing evidence linking executive functions to football performance — this time among younger elite talents.
The study examined youth football players and found that higher levels of executive functioning were associated with better on-field performance. Abilities such as decision-making, attention control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory appear to influence how effectively players perceive situations, adapt under pressure, and make fast tactical decisions during matches.
What makes studies like this especially interesting is that the relationship can already be identified at younger ages. This suggests that cognitive abilities may play an important role not only in current performance, but also in long-term player development and future potential.
For us at Mind Gains, research like this reinforces the importance of combining psychological and cognitive insights with traditional football analysis to create a more complete understanding of player performance and development.