LONDON , England ( CNN ) -- Sports researchers have found that body shape is a key ingredient to success for footballers . A study has found tall footballers like Peter Crouch are more likely to succeed . The study compared official English Football Association data from the the 1970s , 1980s , 1990s and between 2003 to 2004 to reach its conclusions . It was authored by Professor Alan Nevill , a lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton , United Kingdom . Nevill told CNN tall , lean players like England star Peter Crouch , Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy are the most successful -- and went as far to suggest that talent scouts should consider looking for this body type when searching for new recruits . More than 800 players were assessed for the research , and whether the player was in a top six team or not , at the end of each season was used as a measure for success , as they were more likely to be playing in European competitions , Nevill said . Do taller players make better footballers ? Tell us what you think . Recent analysis also showed that players in more successful teams were taller , more linear , and younger than those from less successful teams , he said . This assertion from the research suggests that the top teams in the Premier League and other major competitions would be more likely to win if they have taller , leaner and younger team members . `` Successful teams appear to have players nearly two years younger on average than other teams , '' he said . Nevill told CNN the findings linked in to how the game of football had changed in recent decades . `` The less successful teams today are characterized as being a bit more muscular . However , in the 1980s , this was linked with more success . `` I 'm quite convinced that the younger , lighter , more nimble and also taller players are more capable of making the finishing touches today , '' he said . Nevill said there were several reasons why the taller player had advantages . `` Apart from the fact that taller players will be more successful at heading the ball both defensively and in attack , they will be able to close down or limit opposition players ' ability to pass and distribute the ball . `` Furthermore , taller , thinner people are able to dissipate heat more rapidly than shorter , heavier people . '' Players had also increased in size over the study period , Nevill said . `` The results of the study show that professional footballers are getting taller and heavier per decade , with a small but significant rise in the BMI ( Body Mass Index ) over the four decades . '' Despite the findings , Nevill said it was not the end for shorter players , as there would always be cases where shorter and bulkier players could still succeed . `` Obviously there will be lots of anecdotes where our findings are not going to be the case , '' he said . The findings of the research have been published in the Journal of Sports Sciences .
Research at a UK university finds taller footballers more likely to succeed . Study finds successful teams have taller and younger players . Comment: