Every Premier League team needs a few speed demons in their ranks. With the pace of play in the top-flight English competition, it is now crucial to have nimble players who can reach astonishing top speeds in every area of the pitch. Speed can be used to break through defensive lines to advance into crucial scoring positions. It can make the difference between seizing an opportunity or conceding a goal. Over the past three years, who is the fastest player in Premier League you might ask? Let Wintips admin clarify your doubts right away.
Fastest player in Premier League - Who are they?
1. Micky van de Ven (37,38 Km/h)
Surprisingly, the only player to surpass the 37 km/h mark on this list is a defender. For many Tottenham fans who have admired the new Dutch defender, Micky van de Ven's arrival may not come as a surprise. The 22-year-old has built a reputation for his outstanding speed during his time at his previous club, Wolfsburg, where he even ranked 9th in the top 10 fastest players in Bundesliga history.
It's quite a significant achievement, one that proved invaluable for Ange Postecoglou, who favors a high-pressing defensive play. Van de Ven's recovery speed has made him an indispensable part of Spurs' style of play, and their defense is almost ineffective without him when he's sidelined due to injury.
2. Kyle Walker (37,31 Km/h) - The fastest player in Premier League
Last season, the title of 'Fastest Player in the League' was awarded to Kyle Walker of Man City, reaching a speed of 37.31 km/h at the age of 33. As a key player in Pep Guardiola's team, Kyle Walker has effectively used his speed to thwart the left-wingers of opposing teams.
His rapid movement was showcased in Man City's Champions League final against Real Madrid, where he engaged in duels with Vinicius Junior. Although the young Brazilian star scored in the first leg, he couldn't get past Walker in the second leg, a match that ended in a comfortable 4-0 victory for the Sky Blues.
3. Chiedozie Ogbene (36,93 Km/h) - The fastest player in Premier League
Luton Town is proving many doubters wrong in their first season back in the Championship of English football since 1992. Rob Edwards' team has managed to climb out of the relegation zone thanks to improved performances since the beginning of 2024, and the main reason for this turnaround is Ogbene.
The winger has been one of their standout players throughout the 2023/24 season, utilizing his blistering speed and remarkable technical ability to unsettle opposition defenses. The Irish player had his most impressive spell against Fulham in September and has spoken about how he admired watching Usain Bolt grow up.
4. Pedro Neto (36,86 Km/h)
Gary O'Neil's Wolves are fortunate to have talent on the field, but Neto is undoubtedly the shining jewel in their crown. As a player capable of finishing with both feet, he's also extremely fast, as West Brom fans discovered when the Portuguese forward opened the scoring during the Black Country derby.
According to the Premier League website, Neto reached his fastest speed of the season so far in the match against Luton Town and is currently just behind Ogbene, their speedster. That quality is just one of the many reasons why clubs may be reaching out in the upcoming transfer window.
5. Dominik Szoboszlai (36,76 Km/h) - The fastest player in Premier League
Szoboszlai is certainly a player who has impressed since joining in the summer. There are some qualities you might liken to Liverpool's top midfielder, such as incredible shooting, pinpoint passing, and superb dribbling right from the start. But one thing that hasn't been noticed is just how fast Szoboszlai can be.
He may not hit the headlines often, but not many players reached an astonishing top speed against Wolves in September 2023. The Hungarian player is an energetic force capable of operating as a winger and has proven himself to be one of the finest midfielders in the English Championship.
6. Dara O'Shea (36,73 Km/h) - The fastest player in Premier League
The sole remaining defender on this list, Dara O'Shea, outpaced the likes of Walker and Mudryk in terms of maximum speed achieved this season, making his inclusion a surprising one. But even in a footrace, Burnley's defender might have to contend with other players in the league, reaching a top speed of 36.73 km/h in the Clarets' match against Crystal Palace.
The Irish player has had plenty on his plate so far this season, as Burnley is firmly entrenched in the relegation battle and faces a massive challenge to stay up. O'Shea has had the thankless task of intercepting numerous attackers bypassing the defensive line in matches. Coach Vincent Kompany may need him to be the fastest and sharpest if Burnley is to survive relegation.
7. Antonio Rudiger (36,72 Km/h)
Before joining Real Madrid, Rudiger had already established himself as one of Europe's top defenders at Chelsea. His speed, height, and aggressive defensive style have always instilled fear in strikers. Players with good speed are often wingers, wide midfielders, full-backs, or wide forwards.
That's why a center-back like Rudiger, topping the list of the fastest players in the world, is sure to surprise many. However, the truth is, that Rudiger is currently the fastest player in the world, reaching speeds of up to 36.72 km/h (recorded by specialized speed-measuring devices).
8. Brennan Johnson (36,70 Km/h) - The fastest player in Premier League
Johnson's top speed this season has been recorded at 36.7 km/h. In 27 Premier League matches during the 2022-2023 season, the 21-year-old Welsh forward appeared in 27 matches and scored seven goals. Before joining Nottingham Forest, he played two seasons in the Championship and one season in League One, scoring a total of 31 goals.
The Nottingham Forest star has made an impression this season with 8 goals and 3 assists in 38 appearances in the Premier League. Johnson's speed and goal-scoring ability have contributed to newly promoted Nottingham Forest's survival in the Premier League, especially in the final rounds.
9. Anthony Gordon (36,68 Km/h) - The fastest player in Premier League
Some might be surprised to see Newcastle's winger, Gordon, as a speedster on this list. After all, Gordon is renowned for turning on the afterburners and leaving opponents in his wake, a quality that Eddie Howe maximized in the 2023/24 season.
While the former Everton player may have struggled a bit to reach high speeds, his full-blooded efforts helped him achieve a speed of 36.68 km/h against Burnley. He faced O'Shea, as mentioned earlier, a player we know is no slouch himself. Gordon has also improved his dribbling and finishing abilities this season, as evident from his seven goals in the league so far.
10. Amadou Onana (36,65 Km/h)
Onana may not be famous for being lightning-fast, but rather for his excellent control in midfield. However, the Belgian player reached insane speeds in the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool. His speed is just the icing on the cake, complementing his other skills.
Amadou Onana is one of Everton's most impressive performers, despite their chaotic state under various managers. He is good at ball retention, has excellent ball control, and is someone who can easily maneuver players off the ball. He’s an extremely versatile player, adept at both defense and attack.
Conclusion
Identifying the fastest player in the Premier League is a topic that stirs continuous debate among fans, pundits, and analysts alike. While speed is undoubtedly a valuable asset on the football pitch, it is only one of many attributes that contribute to a player's overall performance and impact on the game. Factors such as agility, acceleration, and tactical awareness are crucial to a player's effectiveness. In addition to sports news, the bookmaker football website also provides many other news about attractive betting promotions and offers. Visit every day so you don't miss it.
