While fans and the media quickly shine a light on the goalscorers and the match winners, countless players have continued to work hard for their teams going under the radar.
Hard work and desire typically correlate with success in football. Teams that consistently outwork their opposition tend to win. The numbers tell us this, and, more importantly, so does history.
With the football schedule becoming increasingly packed for players, some are working extremely hard to pursue success—both on and off the pitch. They are balancing extreme expectations and fan pressure to deliver success for club and country while being supremely professional and ensuring they are available week in and week out.
Therefore, we've decided to compile a list of 10 of the hardest-working players in football right now. The majority of the list includes key figures for both club and country who have shown versatility, a tendency to do whatever is necessary to help the team, and the ability to feature every week without fail while maintaining a high level of performance.
Not only is Federico Valverde one of the best players in world football right now, but he's also one of the hardest-working. Typically deployed in a box-to-box midfield role for Real Madrid, he has thrived under Carlo Ancelotti with his pace, energy, desire and ability to score from distance. However, due to consistent injuries to the likes of Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez, he has also stepped up across positions.
A defensive crisis ensured that he would play consistently at right-back as a utility option. Yet, he has been faultless in that role as well and proved he could well be world-class in two positions. The same goes for Uruguay, where he's an all-action star in Marcelo Bielsa's side and, at 26, he is in his prime years. We hope he gets to return to midfield action soon as he truly is one of the best in his position right now, coupling incredible physicality with technical prowess.
Standing out as the hardest-working player in the Premier League right now, Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes has developed into a key figure for club and country. The Brazil international has proven to be a top-class signing since arriving from Lyon a few years ago, and he could well make the move to join one of the elite clubs in Europe because he has shown he can perform at the highest level time and time again.
Alongside Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, he is the jewel in the crown, boasting a smoothness on the ball and a great passing range, but his work rate goes under the radar for some. He hunts the ball in a disciplined way and has a strong midfield presence. Tasked with playing in a high-energy Eddie Howe system, he has grown over the years to become a tenacious figure who always gives 100% and combines it with his innate qualities.
8 Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool and Netherlands
Including a centre-back on this list may seem like a curious move, but Virgil van Dijk has been a linchpin for both club and country in the past few years, captaining both and demanding the highest standards. Having rarely missed a game in recent seasons, he has been extremely consistent and shown that he is truly one of the best in the world in his position.
Top sides need their best players to be available week in, week out and Van Dijk is always available for Liverpool. Without them, there is a sense that they are weaker and easier to play against and his presence alone elevates the side. In terms of games played, he has started all 28 league games this season and managed 36, 32 and 34 starts in the previous few campaigns. Plus, at international level, he's been involved in 33 of their last 35 games, all while maintaining a high level amid grand expectations.