The Engine That Powers Bayern Munich
When Joshua Kimmich slotted home the winner against Borussia Dortmund last week, it wasn’t just his technical brilliance that caught the eye. The German international covered a staggering 13.73km during the match—a new club record for Bayern Munich. But how does this compare to the Premier League’s hardest workers?
At Crickex, we dive deep into the numbers to reveal how Europe’s elite midfielders stack up in terms of endurance, work rate, and tactical impact.
Premier League’s Distance Kings: Who Comes Close?
While Kimmich’s performance stands out, Wolves’ Leander Dendoncker holds the Premier League’s single-game record this season with 13.21km in a goalless draw against Brighton. Only a handful of players—Dele Alli, James Milner, Tomáš Souček, and Bernardo Silva—have breached the 13km mark in a single match.
Interestingly, Alli achieved his highest distance (13.11km) while playing as a striker in Tottenham’s narrow defeat to Liverpool—a testament to his versatility and work ethic.
The Marathon Men: Season-Long Distance Leaders
Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse leads the Premier League in total distance covered this campaign with an astonishing 334.6km—equivalent to running from St. Mary’s Stadium to Paris. His relentless engine has been crucial for the Saints, blending defensive discipline with attacking contributions.
Here’s how the top five stack up:
- James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) – 334.6km
- Declan Rice (West Ham) – 317.2km
- Abdoulaye Doucouré (Everton) – 309.6km
- Jack Cork (Burnley) – 304.3km
- Roberto Firmino (Liverpool) – 301.9km
Tactical Trends: Why Midfielders Dominate
Unsurprisingly, midfielders dominate the distance charts, but Sheffield United’s overlapping center-backs—Oliver Norwood, Jack O’Connell, and Chris Basham—all rank in the top 10, highlighting Chris Wilder’s unique tactical approach.
Meanwhile, forwards like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) and Roberto Firmino (Liverpool) lead their clubs in distance covered, proving that modern strikers must contribute defensively as much as in attack.
Relegation Battlers Running Themselves into the Ground
Brighton, Norwich, and Bournemouth—all fighting to avoid the drop—have collectively covered the most ground this season. Graham Potter’s Brighton set a Premier League record with 119km in a single game during their 3-2 win over Everton.
But will post-lockdown fatigue affect these numbers? Bundesliga data suggests a slight dip in average distance since the restart—except for Kimmich, who seems unstoppable.
Final Thoughts: The Unsung Heroes of Football
While goalscorers grab headlines, players like Kimmich, Ward-Prowse, and Rice prove that football matches are often won through sheer endurance and tactical intelligence. At Crickex, we celebrate these tireless performers who redefine modern football.
Who do you think is the hardest-working player in your team? Share your thoughts below!
