Kyle Walker, long regarded as one of the Premier League’s fastest players, has now been overtaken by a key rival for his England spot, marking a significant shift in the league’s speed hierarchy.
For years, the Manchester City and England right-back has been known for his blistering pace, consistently topping speed charts. In the 2022/23 season, Walker was a standout, recording an astonishing top speed of 37.31 km/h as he helped City secure yet another Premier League title. His nearest challenger, Brennan Johnson, then of Nottingham Forest, could only manage 36.70 km/h, solidifying Walker’s reputation as the league’s speed king.
However, early data from the current season shows Walker’s reign has come to an unexpected end. According to statistics from Opta (via BBC), the 34-year-old now ranks just 80th in terms of top speed in the Premier League. His best sprint this season has reached only 31.4 km/h—a sharp drop from his previous best.
The new title of the Premier League’s fastest player belongs to Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, who has clocked a top speed of 37.1 km/h, just shy of Walker’s former record. To add to Walker’s woes, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold—his competition for the right-back spot in the England squad—has surged ahead as the 19th fastest player this season, with a peak speed of 34.7 km/h.
Despite these recent stats, Walker continues to be admired for his speed. Kylian Mbappé, one of the fastest players globally, has praised Walker’s ability to accelerate. In an interview with France Football, the Real Madrid star said: “There are also players less explosive from a standing start like Kyle Walker at Manchester City. He is like a tank once he hits his speed.”
Even Walker’s speed in the latter stages of his career has garnered attention. Ian Wright, the former Arsenal forward, took to social media during Manchester City’s 2023 Champions League clash with Real Madrid to express his awe, writing, “Kyle Walker is actually getting quicker.”
Walker himself has been candid about how he’s managed to maintain his pace over the years, even as he approaches his mid-thirties. Reflecting on his fitness a few seasons ago, he said, “I’m 32 but I’m not old. I still feel great, fit, bar the injury with my groin before the World Cup. I’ve kept myself in good shape, I look after myself off the field. I work in the gym. I have to thank my parents and their genetics, some players start to slow down.”
He also cheekily claimed he was still faster than his Manchester City teammate, Erling Haaland, stating, “The manager doesn’t like to do things over long areas, we both need time to get up to speed. Erling’s very quick, some strikers don’t create those chances. Some strikers use their strength. I still have to back myself.”
Though Walker may no longer wear the crown as the Premier League’s fastest player, his legacy as one of the game’s quickest and most enduring right-backs remains firmly intact.
