Van de Ven Premier League's Fastest Ever

 Van de Ven Premier League's Fastest Ever

Jack Harrison of Everton in action with Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on February 03, 2024 in Liverpool, England(Image-Getty)

Micky van de Ven has etched his name in the annals of football history as the fastest player ever recorded in the Premier League. The 22-year-old Tottenham Hotspur defender, having achieved a top speed of 35.97 km/h while playing for Wolfsburg last season, shattered records by accelerating to an astonishing 37.38 km/h against Brentford on January 31st, marking a new milestone since data collection began in 2020/21.

To grasp the magnitude of his achievement, Van de Ven's breathtaking pace against Brentford equates to 10.38 meters per second, or 23.23 miles per hour. Comparatively, sprint icon Usain Bolt's average speed during his 100m world record in 2009 was 10.44 meters per second, or 23.35 miles per hour (37.58 km/h).

The data reveals a significant trend in the Premier League: the speed is on a notable upsurge, with seven of the top 10 speeds recorded in the current season.

Here's a breakdown of the top speeds recorded this season:

- Micky van de Ven (TOT) vs. BRE (31/01/24): 37.38 km/h

- Kyle Walker (MCI) vs. EVE (14/05/23): 37.31 km/h

- Chiedozie Ogbene (LUT) vs. FUL (16/09/23): 36.93 km/h

- Pedro Neto (WOL) vs. LUT (23/09/23): 36.86 km/h

- Dominik Szoboszlai (LIV) vs. WOL (16/09/23): 36.76 km/h

- Dara O'Shea (BUR) vs. CRY (4/11/23): 36.73 km/h

- Antonio Rudiger (CHE) vs. BHA (29/12/21): 36.72 km/h

- Brennan Johnson (NFO) vs. MCI (18/02/23): 36.70 km/h

- Anthony Gordon (NEW) vs. BUR (30/09/23): 36.68 km/h

- Amadou Onana (EVE) vs. LIV (21/10/23): 36.65 km/h

Van de Ven's impact on Spurs has been substantial, particularly in his debut season, where his recovery pace has proven instrumental for Ange Postecoglou's defensive strategy. His explosive speed was evident in recent matches, where he effortlessly closed down opponents like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jack Harrison.

Before Van de Ven's record-breaking sprint, Luton Town's Chiedozie Ogbene held the top speed record of just under 37 km/h against Fulham. Van de Ven's achievement is even more remarkable, surpassing Ogbene's speed by a significant margin of 0.45 km/h, with Pedro Neto of Wolverhampton Wanderers trailing narrowly behind.

In addition, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai emerges as the fourth-fastest this season at 36.76 km/h, narrowly edging out Burnley defender Dara O'Shea.