Who is the Premier League’s fastest player?
Hector Bellerin, who has just been found to be the fastest player in Arsenal’s history, still isn’t fast enough to make the Premier League’s top 20 this season, if we take the data provided by EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, which is also the Official Player Rating Index of the Barclays Premier League, to be exact. Reading through this list, one finds some interesting facts:
Ashley Williams from Swansea ran at 20.98mph and even if the defender is a resolute centre-half renowned for his aerial ability and calmness under pressure, he clearly isn’t slow. Joel Ward, Crystal Palace full-back, managed 21.03mph. but Chelsea superstar, Eden Hazard managed 21.05mph, and we all know he isn’t just fast, as his dribbling and shooting skills make him probably the player of the season. Another Swansea player, Neil Taylor ran at 21.06mph. The defender has been linked with a move away from the Liberty Stadium this summer especially after an impressive season. Phil Jagielka is a surprise entry for sure at 21.07mph but the England and Everton centre-back is quicker than one might think. Burnley striker Danny Ings ran at 21.11mph and his teammate, Jason Shackell managed 21.18mph. Ryan Bertrand ran at 21.18mph and has had a flourishing season at St Mary’s after taking the difficult decision to leave Chelsea. Christian Eriksen ran at 21.19mph but is not just fast and has a great season for Spurs with his clever passing and lovely striking of the ball. Hull midfielder, Jake Livermore managed 21.19mph, but Newcastle’s Jack Colback was slightly faster at 21.20mph. A real surprise is to find QPR centre-back Steven Caulker here after clocking 21.27mph. Jordan Henderson, Liverpool midfielder, ran at 21.30mph and after filling the hole left by Steven Gerrard, both in terms of his football and leadership, and stuffed one down Alex Ferguson’s throat after the Scot had criticised his running gait. Another Southampton player on the list, Nathaniel Clyne, managed 21.41mph. Clyne’s superb season has seen him break into the England side too. Wayne Rooney managed 21.42mph and United striker and captain still possesses formidable acceleration. Hull winger, Ahmed Elmohamady ran 21.62mph and certainly suits his manager’s counter-attacking style of football. Liverpool youngster, Raheem Sterling managed 21.78mph and seeing him high on this list isn’t really a surprise but what could be considered a surprise is West Ham winger, Stewart Downing, who managed 21.79mph, especially considering he is 31. Top of the list is Newcastle midfielder, Moussa Sissoko who clocked 22.00mph and considering that no-one has managed a higher speed all season, the world’s best football tipster would suggest him being very hot property come the summer transfer market.