Lightning-Fast Stars Set to Dominate the 2025–26 Premier League
In today's era of extraordinary intensity and alarmingly aggressive defensive setups, survival depends entirely on having swift feet.
Dean Saunders would argue that modern tactics aren't revolutionary - they're simply repackaged versions of old concepts designed to impress pseudo-intellectuals. Yet claiming the game hasn't transformed significantly since his playing career shows remarkable narrow-mindedness.
Perhaps this explains why his managerial career never flourished.
But let's focus on pace. The Premier League, arguably Europe's most competitive and rapid league, features numerous speed merchants. Velocity comes in different forms - explosive bursts versus long strides, ball-carrying speed versus space-covering ability. Ultimately, it's about moving from point A to point B most effectively.
FotMob has tracked every Premier League player's maximum velocity during the 2025-26 campaign, revealing the ten swiftest performers we've witnessed thus far.
10. Matheus Cunha – 34.5 km/h
The Brazilian became Manchester United's first summer acquisition, quickly establishing his unique flair among supporters who appreciate maverick talents.
His debut weekend performance against Arsenal demonstrated his potential, with his finest moments occurring when dropping deeper. From these positions, Cunha combines his signature Brazilian skills with powerful running to glide past defenders.
While not appearing exceptionally quick, his 34.5 km/h maximum speed earns him a top-ten spot.
9. Djed Spence – 34.8 km/h
The Tottenham full-back finished second only to Erling Haaland in FotMob's velocity rankings last season.
Spence has experienced a remarkable revival in 2025, earning his place in Ange Postecoglou's squad before last Christmas.
Tottenham's number 24 demonstrated his pace during the UEFA Super Cup, keeping up with Achraf Hakimi on multiple occasions. However, he has room for improvement, not yet matching his 35.1 km/h peak from 2024-25.
8. Daniel James – 34.9 km/h
The agile Welsh winger has always been celebrated for his acceleration, with the compact James favoring quick bursts over lengthy strides.
He overtakes opponents through rapid acceleration, returning to the Premier League with Leeds United after previous top-flight experiences with both the Yorkshire club and Manchester United.
James has maintained speeds around 35 km/h throughout his career, including his time with the Red Devils.
7. Kevin Schade – 35.0 km/h
The German represents exceptional athleticism.
Schade combines lightning pace with being among Brentford's long-throw specialists last season, while consistently winning aerial duels.
Every muscle fiber appears built for explosive movement, and he'll need to shoulder greater responsibility for the Bees this season after several teammates departed.
Brentford may struggle, but Schade remains rapid.
6. Pedro Neto – 35.1 km/h
Despite his relatively small frame, Chelsea's Neto is an explosive winger capable of causing problems on either flank.
His west London career hasn't fully ignited yet, though he showed promise during the summer's Club World Cup.
In 2025-26, Neto aims to demonstrate he's more than just pace.
5. Anthony Elanga – 35.3 km/h
The Swedish international reached 36.7 km/h when covering 85 meters in nine seconds before scoring against Manchester United in April.
Newcastle recognized they were acquiring a speed merchant, and Elanga has more to offer despite an impressive Premier League debut for the Magpies at Villa Park.
Expect him to challenge for the top position.
4. Gabriel Martinelli – 35.5 km/h
Many Arsenal fans have grown frustrated with Martinelli, who hasn't replicated his excellent 2022-23 campaign when Arsenal transformed from top-four hopefuls into title challengers.
The Brazilian runs with his head down and can irritate with his reluctance to look up, but he's incredibly persistent. He maintains his work rate throughout matches, likely reaching or approaching his maximum speed multiple times per game.
3. Anthony Gordon – 35.5 km/h
Anthony Gordon was the overlooked player who could have solved England's problems at Euro 2024.
The lack of a pacy left-sided option made Gareth Southgate's team difficult to watch in Germany, with the Newcastle winger subsequently proving his value as the rapid outlet the Three Lions desperately needed.
The Magpies may lack Alexander Isak, but they'll field one of the Premier League's fastest attacking units this season.
2. Micky van de Ven – 35.6 km/h
The Dutchman's recovery pace was immediately apparent following his 2023 arrival from Wolfsburg.
Van de Ven was crucial to Ange Postecoglou's high-risk system, though the physical demands eventually took their toll on his hamstrings.
He covers ground like no other player and tracks down attackers who believe they've broken clear with remarkable efficiency. Under Thomas Frank, there's optimism that Van de Ven's sprint frequency will decrease, though he'll still reach top speeds when required.
1. Jeremie Frimpong – 36.1 km/h
Move over, Micky. A new champion has emerged.
The difference between Van de Ven and Frimpong is striking, with the former's long strides currently surpassed by the latter's rapid bursts.
Frimpong is Liverpool's new dynamic catalyst who should reduce some defensive pressure on Ibrahima Konaté while providing attacking threat.
Yet sometimes his legs seem to move faster than his decision-making allows.