Premier League's fastest sprinters ever after Tottenham star sets new record
Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has set a new record this season as the Premier League's fastest ever sprinter, claiming a record previously held by ex-Spurs man Kyle Walker.
Van de Ven set the record on Saturday, showing off his recovery pace during his team's 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park. Indeed, he is one of four players to set a top-five time this season, putting most of last season's speedsters in the shade.
The Dutchman's current team-mate Brennan Johnson was the second-quickest in the league last season, posting a top speed of 36.70 km/h while at Nottingham Forest. Walker was streets ahead at 37.71, but Van de Ven has surpassed even that.
Walker, now 33, has yet to crack the top five in the 2023-24 season. However, given the rapid speeds posted by others in the competition, perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise.
5. Dominik Szoboszlai, 36.76 km.h
Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai has taken just a few months to join the all-time top five. He narrowly pips Burnley defender Dara O'Shea to a top-four berth for the current campaign, too.
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It's not just the Hungarian's running that has caught the eye, though. Since making a summer move from RB Leipzig, he has made quite the impression to help Jurgen Klopp's Reds fight for the title.
Sadly for the 23-year-old, injury means he may not be able to play for his club in the upcoming Carabao Cup final. “Dom felt in the same area, or pretty much a similar area, to where he was injured before," Klopp said when explaining Szoboszlai's absence against Arsenal. “Not in the game [against Chelsea], he was fine, and then after the game [he felt it] slightly so we had a look at it and there was now no chance for him to be involved in this game."
Have you been impressed by the Premier League's new speedsters? Have your say in the comments section
Dominik Szoboszlai and Micky van de Ven have both cracked the all-time top five (AFP via Getty Images)4. Pedro Neto, 36.86 km/h
Wolves winger Neto has spent time sidelined through injury, but has made a real impression when fit. The Portugal international has averaged a goal or assist for every 115 minutes on the pitch in the Premier League this term, and scored in the FA Cup fourth round victory over West Bromwich Albion.
“I just felt someone as quick as he is and explosive as he is that it’s worth keeping him on because when the opposition begins to get tired, it will open up for him," Wolves boss Gary O'Neil said after the recent defeat to Manchester United. Neto scored a late equaliser, only for United to find an even later winner at Molineux.
“He will get some big opportunities. That’s why he’s never come off," O'Neil added. "I remember the fitness staff saying to me a few times during matches: ‘Pedro’s numbers are quite high.’ I replied: ‘Yeah, that’s fine, we’ll rest him tomorrow.’
3. Chiedozie Ogbene, 36.93 km/h
Irish international Ogbene has been a revelation for Luton in the Premier League. The summer signing from Rotherham has featured on the wing and at wing-back, helping Rob Edwards' side mount a bid to avoid the drop.
Luton's Chiedozie Ogbene is in his first Premier League season (Getty Images)"He's in that wing-back role...you know when you're playing against a quick player as a defender because you don't even look at the ball, you just get on your bike and you go!" Jamie Carragher said on Monday Night Football when analysing Ogbene's display in the 4-4 draw with Newcastle.
"You hope that ball in behind isn't a great ball...but look at that pace. When I think about Luton players who've really impressed me, he is the one alongside Ross Barkley who has been fantastic."
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2. Kyle Walker, 37.31 km/h
Walker's pace is no secret. The defender was quick as a youngster at Sheffield United, quick at Tottenham, quick during loan spells at QPR and Aston Villa and quick at Manchester City.
The England international hasn't quite been able to make the top five this season, but he isn't too far off. Considering his age - he turns 34 in May - that's no mean feat.
Kyle Walker held the speed record before Van de Ven (Getty Images)Walker took over as Manchester City captain over the summer after Ilkay Gundogan's move to Barcelona. The defender is now closing in on 600 senior career appearances, and was a big part of City's Treble success last term.
1. Micky van de Ven, 37.38 km/h
Van de Ven was one of a number of important summer signings for Spurs, who fought off competition from Premier League rivals. The 22-year-old slotted staright in after joining from Wolfsburg, and was thrown straight back into Ange Postecoglou's starting line-up after missing two months through injury.
"Micky and [Cristian] Romero, to come in literally with a week’s training and perform like that here, I can’t speak highly enough of them. They both got through the game okay," manager Postecoglou said after the two centre-backs returned against Manchester United in January.
Van de Ven followed that comeback appearance with starts against Manchester City in the FA Cup and Brentford and Everton in the league. Postecoglou's side were moments from recording successive league wins, only for Everton to find a late equaliser through Jarrad Branthwaite over the weekend.
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