Such is the high-octane nature of the Premier League; all players are required to be quick. You know how the old adage goes: slow and steady wins the race – but, when it comes to plying your trade in England’s primary division, that isn’t necessarily true.
The likes of Tottenham Hotspur central defender Micky van de Ven, Manchester City's Matheus Nunes and Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest are among the division’s quickest players – but who, from a statistical standpoint, are the slowest of the bunch?
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Experienced Fulham shot stopper Bernd Leno – as per Opta Analyst – has clocked the lowest top speed of any player in England’s top tier this campaign by hitting 23.6 km/h at most, but what about those who exclusively play outfield?
Upon removing all goalkeepers from the rankings and placing focus on just the quickest speed of all players in the top flight thus far, here are the five slowest Premier League players this season, according to Opta’s in-depth analysis of speed.
5 Casemiro, Manchester United
Top speed: 30.2 km/h (18.8mph)
When Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, there were plenty of the Old Trafford faithful who were excited about the serial winner and – more importantly – what he could provide for the once-brilliant side in the Premier League, Manchester United.
His first season, under Erik ten Hag, was nothing short of brilliant, but he’s since experienced a downturn in form. And that’s encapsulated by how often he lags behind his counterpart. In fact, the quickest speed he’s reached this season is 18.8mph.
Admittedly, the Brazilian – named in Toni Kroos’ greatest XI made up of the German’s teammates – has never been renowned for his momentum when running, but it’s when it becomes damning is when Ruben Amorim may turn to potentially selling.
4 Tomas Soucek, West Ham United
Top speed: 30.2 km/h (18.8mph)
West Ham United have had a talented midfielder in Tomas Soucek since he permanently switched from his home nation's biggest club, Slavia Prague, in the summer of 2020. He’s since racked up 238 outings for the east Londoners – but the 30-year-old is certainly not known for his ability to rack up top speeds in the heart of the action.
Instead, the 79-cap Czech Republic international is the joint-fifth slowest player in the Premier League alongside the aforementioned Casemiro. Irrespective of being unable to get out of the blocks quickly, Soucek remains imperative to how West Ham perform – and, under Graham Potter’s stewardship, he’s featured in every game possible so far.
3 Mikel Merino, Arsenal
Top speed: 29.8 km/h (18.5mph)
Albeit a central midfielder by trade, Arsenal’s long-standing striker issues – and the injury to Kai Havertz – have seen summer addition Mikel Merino often used as the north Londoners’ solitary line-leading prospect, especially since the turn of the year.
With transforming into a makeshift striker, there are plenty of different traits that Merino, who was admired by Barcelona before his move to the capital, has needed to pick up – and that includes running at full sprint behind the line of defence.
Though, it’s not unfair to say that it’s something that the lanky 28-year-old has struggled to grasp. As of April 2025, his top speed in the Premier League has been 29.8 km/h (18.5mph), which makes him the third-slowest of all players in the league.
2 Craig Dawson, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Top speed: 29.6 km/h (18.3mph)
Formerly of West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers decided to rely on the experience and defensive know-how of Craig Dawson in the summer of 2023. That was after he racked up just short of a century of appearances in the capital.
Things haven’t been as sweet since moving to Wolves' Molineux, however, as evidenced by his top speed of 29.6 km/h (18.3mph) – which is the second-lowest of every player who are currently earning their corn in the English top tier.
Currently exiled from Vitor Pereira’s squad as of April 2025, the central defender – who has played 61 times for his current employers – may not have the chance to improve his quickest sprint speed this season before he leaves the club.
1 Bernardo Silva, Manchester City
Top speed: 29.4 km/h (18.2mph)
A six-time Premier League champion with Manchester City, Bernardo Silva took on the mantle of being the club’s creative genius following the departure of David Silva – but the magician, a 100-cap Portugal international, isn’t known for his sheer pace.
Still, he remains one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League – but it’s safe to say that Silva isn’t paid handsomely for his ability to hit top speeds, but instead his penchant for creating chances and running proceedings for the Citizens as they strive for greatness.
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All statistics per Opta Analyst - correct as of 02/04/2025