Velocity at lactate threshold and running economy must also be considered along with maximal oxygen uptake when testing elite soccer players during preseason.

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) has been traditionally used to explain physiologic differences among soccer teams of different ranking. However, other endurance markers may have greater discriminatory ability. The purpose of this study was to examine whether velocity at lactate threshold and running economy can be used to better discriminate endurance characteristics of soccer teams of different levels along with VO₂max during preseason testing.