One of the main aspects that distinguishes a top-flight footballer from their lower league counterparts is fitness. As well as possessing exquisite technical ability and tactical nous, a Premier League footballer, for example, is required to be in peak condition.
Watching football on TV can be highly deceiving. We may think we could keep up with these guys for at least 45 minutes, but the reality is we'd be gasping desperately for air after running to reach one pass.
It's nothing to be embarrassed about - we're not paid exorbitant amounts of money to maintain perfect fitness, but footballers are, so let's take a look at six of the most energetic.
Jordan Henderson
Paul Merson, in yet another nugget of astute tactical analysis from the Sky Sports pundit, once said he didn't value players who could 'run about' all that much. "I can run about," Merson quipped from his perch on Gillette Soccer Saturday.
It's quite obvious, though, that not even the mighty Merse in his pomp could clock up the same distance covered in any given game as Jordan Henderson.
He may lack the exceptional passing range and genuine goalscoring threat of Steven Gerrard, Anfield's previous midfield lieutenant, but Jurgen Klopp's captain certainly makes up for that in sheer relentless enthusiasm. The man is a freak of nature - and one of the fittest footballers about.
It's quite obvious, though, that not even the mighty Merse in his pomp could clock up the same distance covered in any given game as Jordan Henderson.
He may lack the exceptional passing range and genuine goalscoring threat of Steven Gerrard, Anfield's previous midfield lieutenant, but Jurgen Klopp's captain certainly makes up for that in sheer relentless enthusiasm. The man is a freak of nature - and one of the fittest footballers about.
N'Golo Kante
Another obvious candidate, yes, but there can be no denying the Frenchman's magnificent engine was crucial in helping Leicester City clinch their first Premier League crown in unforgettable fashion last season.
Perhaps one of the greatest quotes to sum up Kante's approach to football came from @KanteFacts on Twitter: N'Golo Kante runs until the treadmill gets tired.
The former Caen midfielder has slotted into Antonio Conte's hard-running Chelsea side this season and, if he continues his current vein of form, he may well be on his way to lifting the Premier League trophy with a second club in the space of a year.
Perhaps one of the greatest quotes to sum up Kante's approach to football came from @KanteFacts on Twitter: N'Golo Kante runs until the treadmill gets tired.
The former Caen midfielder has slotted into Antonio Conte's hard-running Chelsea side this season and, if he continues his current vein of form, he may well be on his way to lifting the Premier League trophy with a second club in the space of a year.
Toni Kroos
When someone discusses energetic, hard-running footballers, Toni Kroos does not spring to mind. But he should. The German playmaker's fluid, nonchalant style often masks his monumental level of effort.
Last season, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane told James Rodriguez and Isco increase their efforts on the pitch, but the under-performing pair wouldn't have had to look far to find the perfect role model in Kroos, who regularly covered over 11km each match for Los Blancos (that's quite a lot).
Kroos' tremendous work ethic is one thing, but combine that with his vision and ability to unlock a defence, and he definitely an invaluable asset for the Champions League holders.
Last season, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane told James Rodriguez and Isco increase their efforts on the pitch, but the under-performing pair wouldn't have had to look far to find the perfect role model in Kroos, who regularly covered over 11km each match for Los Blancos (that's quite a lot).
Kroos' tremendous work ethic is one thing, but combine that with his vision and ability to unlock a defence, and he definitely an invaluable asset for the Champions League holders.
Adam Lallana
Adam Lallana has really blossomed this season, for both club and country. The former Southampton captain has flourished under the wise tutelage of Klopp at Anfield and has shone some of his more 'illustrious' compatriots for England.
Lallana has come to exemplify Klopp's thrilling, high-pressing style of football that has helped propel Liverpool to the Premier League's summit. The 28-year-old is crucial to Klopp thanks to his perennial work-rate and tactical flexibility, but he has also contributed handsomely in the goals and assists department, helping the Kop embrace him as one of their favourites.
If you want a clear idea of just how impressive Lallana can be, watch highlights of his performance against Leicester City in September - he scored a goal and capped a glorious performance by scoring the 100th goal of Klopp's reign.
Lallana has come to exemplify Klopp's thrilling, high-pressing style of football that has helped propel Liverpool to the Premier League's summit. The 28-year-old is crucial to Klopp thanks to his perennial work-rate and tactical flexibility, but he has also contributed handsomely in the goals and assists department, helping the Kop embrace him as one of their favourites.
If you want a clear idea of just how impressive Lallana can be, watch highlights of his performance against Leicester City in September - he scored a goal and capped a glorious performance by scoring the 100th goal of Klopp's reign.
Blaise Matuidi
Over the last few seasons, Paris Saint-Germain's Blaise Matuidi has established himself as one of the finest midfielders in Europe, thanks to his incredible energy and stamina.
Matuidi is the perfect player to have in patrolling the centre of the pitch - his ability to outlast opponents has allowed him to influence big games late on and its these key contributions that makes him one of the first names on the teamsheet for both Paris Saint-Germain and France.
Matuidi is the perfect player to have in patrolling the centre of the pitch - his ability to outlast opponents has allowed him to influence big games late on and its these key contributions that makes him one of the first names on the teamsheet for both Paris Saint-Germain and France.
Thomas Muller
It always helps when your striker is prepared to run. The goal-hanging, deadly poacher of yesteryear is hideously out of fashion in the modern game.
Managers like their forwards full of running and energy, like Thomas Muller, who runs himself into the ground every time he turns out for Bayern Munich and Germany.
Muller happens to score a lot of goals too, is pretty terrifying-looking and seems to have a cracking sense of humour, making him an all-round fantastic human being.
Managers like their forwards full of running and energy, like Thomas Muller, who runs himself into the ground every time he turns out for Bayern Munich and Germany.
Muller happens to score a lot of goals too, is pretty terrifying-looking and seems to have a cracking sense of humour, making him an all-round fantastic human being.
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