Modern football asks a lot from players. The demands of the game are such that maintaining peak physical condition becomes a necessity in order to survive at the highest level.
With clubs involved in various competitions, as well as national team football to consider as well, players have to be at their sharpest, mentally and physically, in order to cope with the flurry of high-intensity games.
From a properly-tailored diet to various technological innovations used by clubs, players are carefully taken care of. Despite all this, injuries occur.
Some players, however, manage to be everpresent for their clubs and countries. We look at the:
5 fittest players in world football at the moment
#5 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan)
One of the greatest strikers of the modern generation, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's longevity at the highest level has astounded many fans and critics.
The 39-year old has enjoyed successful spells at top clubs like Ajax, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United. After a short stint with LA Galaxy in the MLS, the Sweden international joined AC Milan in January 2020, and has been their main attacker since then.
Ibrahimovic has made 44 appearances in all competitions for AC Milan since rejoining them, scoring 28 goals. The striker is set to feature in the Euros this summer for Sweden, having reversed his retirement decision.
#4 Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Liverpool have been extremely unlucky with injuries this season, but one player who has featured consistently is Andrew Robertson.
When Liverpool signed Robertson from Hull City in 2017 for £8 million, eyebrows were raised. Nearly four seasons later, the Scotland international is considered to be one of the best left-backs in the league and one of the most consistent performers in Liverpool's back-four.
The 27-year old has made 40 appearances in all competitions this season, often acting as the senior figure in Liverpool's defense in the absence of Virgil van Dijk. He has made 167 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool since his debut.
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#3 Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan)
Romelu Lukaku's Manchester United spell might not have gone according to plan, but he is showing his quality for Antonio Conte's Inter Milan.
Lukaku joined Inter Milan from Manchester United in 2019 for a club-record fee of £67 million. The Belgium international has proved to be worth the splurge, having already made 86 appearances in all competitions for the club and scoring 60 goals.
The 27-year old has a good injury record, having been a constant for West Bromwich Albion, Everton and later Manchester United. He now looks set to lead Inter Milan to a Serie A title.
#2 Adama Traore (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Well-renowned for his physique, Adama Traore's pace, dribbling ability and sheer strength all make him an important player for Nuno Espirito Santo's Wolverhampton Wanderers.
A product of La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy, Traore spent time with Aston Villa and Middlesbrough before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018 for £18 million. The 25-year old has been pivotal since joining Wolves, with manager Santo utilizing him as a winger and as a wing-back.
The Spain international is yet to score or assist in the league this season, despite having made 28 Premier League appearances. He has recently been linked with a return to Barcelona, as well as a move to Liverpool.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
One of the fittest athletes in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo's dedication knows no bounds.
Regarded as one of the greatest footballers to have played the game, Ronaldo continues to dominate discussions. The 36-year old is one of Serie A's best players and unarguably Juventus' most important attacking option.
The 36-year old broke records at Manchester United and Real Madrid before joining Juventus and has not stopped in Italy. The Portugal international has made 35 appearances in all competitions this season for the Old Lady, scoring 31 goals. Once the domestic season ends, Ronaldo will be keen to play a starring role for Portugal at the Euros.
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