The Premier League is home to an incredible number of athletes and world-class players. Skill and ball intelligence are great traits that a footballer should possess, but sometimes no one can compensate for sheer speed and power.
Strength is an attribute that can often be developed and improved by training hard in the gym, but it is extremely difficult for players to improve their speed. As a result, any player who can stand out from the competition at breakneck pace is a valuable asset for any Premier League team, especially in the fast-paced modern game.
According to Squawka's list of the five fastest players in various positions in the 2023/24 season. The following is a list of eleven people.
goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez, James Trafford, Jordan Pickford, Jose Sa, Ramsdale
Admittedly, goalkeepers are not known for their lightning speed. This has changed slightly in the modern game, as most teams in the Premier League have asked their number one player to play the role of scavenger goalkeeper. It is essential for all the best goalkeepers to strike quickly and their task is to clear dangerous balls behind the back line.
James Trafford (31.84km/h) and Jordan Pickford (29.85km/h) were both very fast, although neither could match Chelsea's Robert Sanchez. Against Brentford, Robert Sanchez rushed into the opposition box in the final moments to try to take a corner, but unfortunately it was not only in vain, but also allowed the opposition to fight back, and the former Brighton goalkeeper was unable to stop Brentford's counter-attack at 35.11km/h, making it 2-0.
Ramsdale may not be able to get regular playing time at Arsenal in 2023/24, but the Englishman still finished in the top five with the fastest sprint time of 29km/h. In addition, Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa (29.33km/h) is fourth among goalkeepers.
Defence
Mitch van der Ven, Dara O'Shea, Ilya Zabani, Nuno Tavares, Nelson Semedo
Among the defenders, three centre-backs are at the top of the speed charts. This can come as a slight shock. Nuno Tavares (35.94km/h), on loan at Nottingham Forest, is the fastest player to run on the left side of the backline.
Wolves' Nelson Semedo is the fastest right-back, with the former Barcelona star changing roles frequently, sometimes at centre-back and sometimes at wing-back. A top speed of 35.90 km/h puts the 30-year-old on the list.
Since joining Tottenham from VfL Wolfsburg in the summer transfer window, Mitch van der Ven has been impressive, not least because of his pace. The Dutchman's ability to chase back against counter-attacks allowed Postecoglou to defend high. In the match against Everton at Goodison Park, the lightning centre-back set the fastest record of any player in the league for the 2023/24 season.
Dara O'Shea and Ilya Dzabani are also in the top five speeds, with both recording impressive speeds of over 36km/h. Both have played a vital role in their respective teams.
midfielder
Jacob Maud, Dominique Szobosloy, Amadou Onana, Tahi Chung, Frank Oneka
Dominik Szobosloy is no longer the fastest midfielder in England's top flight. The Hungarian made a splash at the start of his Liverpool career, setting up a staggering 36.76km/h in a 3-1 win over Wolves. That record has now been broken by Brighton's Jacob Maud. The Brighton Poland midfielder was not a regular starter under Roberto De Zerbi, but he played a part in his limited playing time.
Amadou Onana caught the attention of many big teams during his time at Everton, and the 195cm big man has exceeded his speed expectations. His fastest sprint record for 2023/24 is 36.65 km/h, slightly better than Luton's Tahi Chong (36.37 km/h) and Brentford's Frank Oneika (36.13 km/h).
front
Ogburn, Pedro Neto, Anthony Gordon, Luis Díaz, Moussa Diabi
Of the five fastest attackers in the Premier League so far this season, no centre-forwards have been selected. The Premier League has had a lot of very fast wingers this season, and this is evident from the strength of these wingers in the rankings.
Luis Dias showed clean pace for Liverpool's game against Manchester City, overtaking Kyle Walker and Rodri in possession. The 27-year-old is tied with Aston Villa's Moussa Diaby for fourth place in the speed charts with a speed of 36.42km/h.
Luton Town entered the Premier League for the first time this season and relied on Ogburn's counter-attacks to rely on the Irish international's running speed of almost 37km/h. Similarly, Anthony Gordon was a big weapon for the Magpies, while Pedro Neto even played into City's backline in Wolves' win over Manchester City. Due to the high competition, players such as Jeremy Doku and Adama Traore failed to make this list.
The fastest eleven squad in the Premier League