Revealed: The Premier League’s fastest players as Man City striker Erling Haaland challenges Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven for top spot

The top-flight of English football boasts plenty of speed merchants within its ranks, with Fulham winger Adama Traore and Manchester City defender Kyle Walker among those famed for their pace. Said duo do, however, sit 21st and 80th respectively when it comes to fastest speeds recorded in the 2024-25 campaign.

• Getty

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Data pooled by BBC Sport and Opta shows that Tottenham centre-half Van de Ven is – with a top speed of 37.1 km per hour – the quickest player in the Premier League. He is followed by Wolves’ Carlos Forbs (36.6), Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga (35.9), prolific City striker Haaland (35.7), Spurs star Timo Werner (35.7) and Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli (35.6).

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Walker’s surprisingly low ranking puts him behind the likes of Manchester United winger Antony, Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn. When it comes to the fastest player at each club, Ipswich winger Wes Burns sits bottom of the 20-team list at 49th overall.

• Getty

  TELL ME MORE

  When it comes to sprints, Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon leads the way – with 96 made so far. Haaland, who tops that chart at the Etihad Stadium, has put in half of that amount. With his game more concerned with sitting deep and keeping opponents out, Van de Van has only attempted 82 sprints this term.

  WHAT ABOUT WALKING?

  While Haaland can clearly motor, no player has walked further than him in the Premier League this season – which may not come as a surprise given the headlines that he has generated in English football regarding a stunning goals-to-touches ratio. The outfield player that spends the most time walking around is Forest defender Willy Boly, who favours a casual stroll 78.5% of the time.