Football is all about scoring goals, winning points and lifting trophies. But those players who can get the fans off their seats with a blistering turn of pace offer something very special.
On Tuesday, Opta revealed which stars are the speediest in the Premier League, and there’s a new boy at the very top.
Mykhailo Mudryk - 36.63 km/h
Chelsea snatched the Ukrainian attacker from the jaws of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal this window, and he has impressed from the off. Mudryk recorded the fastest speed this season on his Premier League debut in a 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
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He came off the bench for 35 minutes and, according to Whoscored.com match ratings, outperformed the likes of Mason Mount, Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah.
Anthony Gordon - 36.61km/h
It’s been a rough week, and season, for Everton fans so far. But some good news - they’ve got the second fastest player in the Premier League in their ranks.
Star boy Anthony Gordon has attracted interest from the ‘Big Six’ sides over the past two seasons, and these figures will only add to the excitement.
With Frank Lampard out, Everton will be hoping to climb out of the relegation zone with a new boss and, if they are to survive, Gordon will be a key member of the squad.
Darwin Nunez - 36.53 km/h
Unfairly mocked for his unfortunate record in front of goal this season, Darwin Nunez has all the talent, and speed, to succeed in the Premier League.
The Uruguayan has recorded the third fastest top speed in the league and is currently contributing to a goal every other game.
If he can adapt and convert a higher percentage of the chances he’s being served up by the likes of Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, he’s quickly going to become an Anfield favourite.
Erling Haaland - 36.22 km/h
Of course the Premier League’s goalscoring robot is in this list. It’s about the only list he’s not top of after notching an incredible 25 goals in 19 appearances in the league.
Haaland would already have won the Golden Boot in 16 of the last 31 Premier League seasons, with his pace and power just two of the attributes which have seen him tear up the history books - and it’s only January.
Denis Zakaria - 36.09 km/h
The final name on the list is one most of you might not be familiar with. Zakaria, on loan from Juventus, is a strong, energetic midfielder who has impressed so far at Chelsea.
He’s started four times for Graham Potter’s side, has a pass completion rate of 90% and, according to Opta’s stats, is the fifth fastest player in the Premier League.
