'Gegenpressing'. That was the buzzword on everyone's lips when Jurgen Klopp arrived at Liverpool last October. Just over a year on, use of the term itselfhas diminished, but it's the style of play that has put the Reds top of the Premier League a good chunk into the season.
Figures published bytalkSPORThave revealed that Liverpool players have covered a total of just over 1,282kmbetween them in 11 games in 2016/17. That's the most in the league, and 17km more than the next most energetic team in Manchester City.
Manchester United have almost been the antithesis of Liverpool at times since August. The play of Jose Mourinho's team has often been laboured and it has left them playing catch up in the title race already. It's perhaps not surprising, then, that the Red Devils prop up the Premier League when it comes to total distance covered.
Where Liverpool are pushing 1,300km, United's players have run a little over1,166km. That figure is 2km less than even Sunderland, who have only just claimed their first win of the season and have been generally verypoor.
Chelsea, like Liverpool, have been hailed for the energy of their play. Antonio Conte took a little time to get his new team in gear, but the former champions are still the squad that has covered the seventh most distance in the top flight.
Interestingly,Burnley and West Brom both feature in the top four for distance covered, just either side of the 1,250km mark, making up for less technical quality with energy and movement that has seen both clubs punch above their weight in mid-tableso far.
Given the quality that United possess, it's perhaps a message that a little less lethargy, a littlemore running and general energy will go a long way.
Total Distance Covered by Every Premier League Team After 11 Games:
*distance covered and league position accurate as of time of writing
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