Micky van de Ven can once again call himself the fastest player in the Premier League. The Dutch defender from Tottenham Hotspur recorded a sprint of no less than 37.12 kilometers per hour last season.
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That speed is one of Micky van de Ven’s greatest strengths is no secret to those who have followed his rise over the last few seasons.
Ever since the Dutch defender arrived in the Premier League to join Tottenham Hotspur, his incredible pace has caught the eye. But now it’s not just something we see it’s backed by hard numbers. For the second consecutive season, Van de Ven has been confirmed as the fastest player in the entire Premier League, cementing his reputation as a unique physical force in top-flight football.
This season, his standout moment came in a high-stakes match against Manchester United, where he reached a top speed of 37.12 kilometers per hour. It was during a critical defensive play in which United winger Alejandro Garnacho attempted a break down the left flank. Garnacho, known for his own speed and agility, looked set to cause problems until Van de Ven switched gears. The Dutchman accelerated past the Argentine as though he were stationary and timed a perfectly clean slide tackle to knock the ball out of play.
Remarkably, this sprint now ranks as the fourth-fastest ever recorded in Premier League history. And even more impressively, three of those four sprints belong to Van de Ven. He is not just fast for a center-back he is fast by any standard in the sport.
The fastest sprint in Premier League history was also his, recorded in January 2024 during a match against Brentford. In that game, Van de Ven clocked an astonishing 37.38 km/h, a number usually reserved for elite Olympic sprinters. His top speed sets him apart from practically every other defender in the world.
The only other name in the top four is Kyle Walker, the long-reigning pace king of the Premier League. The Manchester City full-back registered a sprint of 37.31 km/h, enough to secure second place on the all-time list. Known for his raw pace, Walker has been setting speed records for over a decade, and it's a testament to his athleticism that he’s still among the fastest in the league.
Van de Ven’s other entry on the list a sprint of 37.23 km/h — confirms that his top-end speed isn’t a one-off fluke. It’s a consistent part of his game, and one that makes him a nightmare for opposing forwards trying to break behind Tottenham’s high defensive line.
Fastest Premier League Sprints Ever
| Player | Speed |
|---|---|
| Micky van de Ven | 37.38 km/h |
| Kyle Walker | 37.31 km/h |
| Micky van de Ven | 37.23 km/h |
| Micky van de Ven | 37.12 km/h |
These numbers aren’t just impressive trivia — they have real tactical implications. Van de Ven’s pace allows Tottenham to play a high line, knowing he can recover quickly and deal with fast breaks. It also allows him to cover his teammates, track runs from attackers, and neutralize threats in transition, all without fouling or needing support.
At just 23 years old, Van de Ven’s potential is enormous. His blend of elite speed, technical ability, and composure on the ball makes him one of the most exciting defensive prospects in Europe. If he stays healthy and continues developing under top-level coaching, there’s no telling how far he can go or how many more speed records he might break along the way.
Updated: 04:24, 13 Jun 2025
