Elite schedule 'not sustainable' amid 55-game seasons

The Premier League recently concluded a lengthy international break, with many of its top players participating in matches that amounted to full-length games. Among those affected were Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who played 55 games for his club last season and featured in four World Cup matches. Dr Dave Richardson, head of psychology, sports science and wellbeing at the University of Lincoln, warns that such schedules are not sustainable and will likely lead to a decline in player performance.

Players like Declan Rice, Harry Kane, and Declan Rice have been playing over 4,000 minutes across all competitions, and some have even pulled out of national squads to prioritize rest. The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) CEO, Maheta Molango, believes the issue stems from a system that prioritizes games over player welfare and calls for a mandatory three-week summer break and regular retraining periods.

However, experts argue that the issue lies in the fragmented nature of the sporting landscape, with no single body overseeing players' schedules and welfare. This lack of oversight, coupled with the increasing pressure to perform at an elite level, could lead to a rise in injuries and mental health issues among players.