Now that James Milner is not a regular starter in the Premier League anymore, a space has opened up for the hardest worker in the division.
While this accolade may not feel as significant as the league's top scorer, for example, it perhaps offers an insight into the less tangible and obvious aspects of the game, while also highlighting who is really fighting for the badge.
The Premier League have released the ten players who have covered the most distance in the top flight so far this season, with some surprising names making the list.
Here are the leading workhorses in the Premier League this season.
10. Pascal Gross - Brighton & Hove Albion
You have to be a busy bee to play for Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton, and that's exactly what Pascal Gross is.
The German has played 80 minutes or more in every Premier League game for the Seagulls this year and has enjoyed returning to his favoured midfield position having often been utilised as a right-back in recent years.
By taking residence in central areas, Gross has had the chance to cover a lot of ground this season, resulting in him having run farther than any other Brighton player in the opening weeks.
Total distance covered: 44.7km
9. Enzo Fernandez - Chelsea
Enzo Fernandez has played every minute of every game for Chelsea in the league this season such is his importance to Mauricio Pochettino's side, clocking up some significant miles in the process.
While the Argentine should now be expected to do less of the legwork with the arrival of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Fernandez has shown he's willing to get stuck in defensively.
The midfielder has been one of Chelsea's standout performers following an underwhelming start to the campaign and has led by example with his work rate on the pitch.
Total distance covered: 45.19km
8. Dominik Szoboszlai - Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai has helped transform Liverpool's midfield in the opening four games of the new season and already looks a bargain at just £60m.
While more comfortable and effective further up the pitch, the Hungary international hasn't been reluctant to put in the hard yards.
In fact, Szoboszlai has covered more ground than any of his teammates, another reason why Jurgen Klopp was so desperate to bring him to Anfield.
Total distance covered: 45.74km
7. Bruno Guimaraes - Newcastle United
Sandro Tonali's summer arrival has somewhat unbalanced Newcastle United's midfield and is just one of the reasons the Magpies have struggled at the beginning of the new term. However, it hasn't been due to a lack of effort, certainly not on the part of Bruno Guimaraes.
While Joelinton is often seen as the workhorse in the Magpies' midfield, it's his Brazilian teammate who has covered the most distance so far. Guimaraes' tenacity is one of his greatest strengths and he continues to run himself into the ground on Tyneside.
Total distance covered: 45.82km
6. Philip Billing - Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola has demanded a higher work rate from his Bournemouth side since taking over this summer and he will not have been disappointed by Philip Billing's efforts.
The Cherries are playing with greater intensity under their new Spanish coach, albeit not always successfully, pressing higher and working harder than they did last year. The Danish midfielder has played almost every minute under Iraola and has provided some much-needed snap and snarl in the centre of the park.
Total distance covered: 45.97km
5. Rodri - Manchester City
Now justifiably considered the best defensive midfielder in world football, you would expect Rodri to feature in the top ten. The Spaniard is a human vacuum, hoovering up ground and sniffing out danger before it arises.
Given Manchester City's work ethic without the ball, it's hardly surprising that Rodri covers such large distances on a weekly basis. Pep Guardiola demands perfection and Rodri provides it.
Total distance covered: 46.37km
4. Abdoulaye Doucoure - Everton
One of the few Everton players who can hold their head high after the Toffees' dismal start to the season is Abdoulaye Doucoure. The Mali international has scored one of only Everton's two league goals this term, consistently providing an attacking outlet from midfield.
Doucoure hasn't shirked his defensive responsibilities though, covering approximately 7.25 miles per match for the Merseyside club this season.
Total distance covered: 46.43km
3. Declan Rice - Arsenal
One of the many reasons Arsenal parted with £105m to bring Declan Rice to north London is because of just how much ground he covers. Rice travelled 412.95km over the course of last season in the Premier League, the third-highest total of any player.
The 24-year-old's incredible work rate has helped him blossom into one of the league's finest, and most expensive, midfielders.
Total distance covered: 46.75km
2. Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United
When he was made captain at the beginning of the season, there were those who doubted Bruno Fernandes' ability to lead by example on the pitch. In terms of his mileage, he has certainly done that.
The Portugal international, who finished in the top ten at the end of last season for distance covered, has never been shy of passion or a strong work ethic, with his new role as permanent captain perhaps pushing his work rate to new levels this term.
Total distance covered: 46.84km
1. Dejan Kulusevski - Tottenham Hotspur
Somewhat surprisingly, Dejan Kulusevski has travelled farther than any other player this season.
Not only has he covered more ground than any of his Tottenham Hotspur teammates, but he is the only non-midfielder in the top ten. Such are the demands of Ange-ball, Kulusevski is having to work harder than ever before, buzzing up and down the right flank.
The winger is also the man to have travelled furthest in a single game, covering exactly 13km during Tottenham's 2-0 win over Bournemouth.
Pedro Porro must be relieved to have such a diligent wide player chugging up and down on his flank.
Total distance covered: 47.07km
Players who have run the most distance in 2023/24 Premier League so far
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This article was originally published on 90min as Players who have run the most distance in 2023/24 Premier League so far.
