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The Premier League is arguably the toughest football league in the world right now and is renowned for its physical style of play.
However, the pace of football in the Premier League can also be relentless. Because fans are excited about the fascinating end-to-end action, teams need to have fast players who can instantly change the direction of the game from one end to the other. As a result, many technically gifted players have failed to adapt to the Premier League.
Fastest players in the Premier League season
Nevertheless, the Premier League has been graced by some of the most skilled players to have ever played the game. However, due to its fast paced nature, the Premier League features a number of fast players who can change the game in the blink of an eye.
On that account, let's take a look at the five fastest players in the Premier League (2021-22) season so far:
(Note- All top speeds from the end of Premier League Gameweek 2 via Daily Mail)
#5 Ismaila Sarr (Watford) - 21.67 mph
Ismaila Sarr has been one of Watford's standout players since arriving from Rennes for a club-record fee of £27 million in 2019. The 23-year-old impressed during his maiden season in the Premier League in 2019-20, scoring five goals and providing six assists. But despite his stellar performances, he was unable to help Watford stave off relegation.
But the Senegalese was brilliant for the Hornets in the Championship last season. He scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 39 games, helping Watford finish second and earn promotion back to the Premier League. His pace and trickery combined with his dribbling skills proved to be a big asset for Watford last season.
Sarr started the new season in similar fashion, scoring on the opening weekend in a 3-2 win against Aston Villa. But apart from that, he also clocked a speed of 21.67 mph, which is the fifth fastest in the Premier League so far. Given his flair and pace on the wings, we would not put it past him to better that before the season ends.
#4 Nathan Tella (Southampton) - 21.75 mph
Former Arsenal academy graduate Nathan Tella moved to Southampton in 2017. He made his debut for the club in the 2019-20 Premier League season at the age of just 20 after coming on as a substitute against Norwich.
He played a bigger part in the 2020-21 season, making 18 appearances in the Premier League, mostly as a substitute, registering a goal and an assist.
Tella has played just 10 minutes of the Saints' opening two Premier League fixtures this season, coming on as a substitute during his side's 3-1 defeat to Everton. But he did manage to get on this list.
He did not change the course of the game but rather posted the fourth fastest sprint speed of the Premier League season. It was clocked at a stunning 21.75 mph.
The youngster did however start in Southampton's 8-0 thrashing of Newport County in the 2nd Round of the EFL Cup. He scored a goal in the game and was a constant threat in the opposition's box.
Saints fans will be hoping that this is just a hint of what the forward can do as he looks to take the next step in his very promising career.
#3 Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace) - 21.88 mph
Wilfried Zaha has arguably been the best player for Crystal Palace in the Premier League in recent years.
Zaha, who graduated from Crystal Palace academy, earned a move to Manchester United in 2013 but failed to showcase his talent at the club. Palace subsequently signed him back in 2014 and the 28-year-old has certainly repaid their faith.
He has made more than 250 appearances since returning to the club and has been one of the main reasons why the Eagles have avoided relegation all these years.
Zaha has displayed everything a modern, successful winger needs to do. He's fast, can dribble easily past defenders and has a lethal directness to run at defenders, which not many others do in the Premier League. Due to his skills and trickery, Zaha has always been at the top of the dribbling charts and has constantly been among the most-fouled players in the Premier League.
The winger's incredible pace also makes him one of the quickest in the Premier League. This season he has recorded a top speed of 21.88 mph, making him the third fastest player in the Premier League so far.
The Eagles will be hoping that Zaha can continue to perform for them in a similar fashion under the guidance of new manager Patrick Vieira.
#2 Adama Traore (Wolves) - 22.12 mph
Adama Traore, a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, has absolutely terrorized Premier League defenses since joining Wolves in 2018.
An incredibly strong and fast winger with exceptional dribbling skills, Traore's ability to run through opposition defenses was often incredibly used by Wolves' former manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The 24-year-old's physicality and pace meant he was often used as a wing-back by Nuno. However, he has started Wolves' first two games this season further forward on the wings under new manager Bruno Lage.
Though Traore could not help Wolves avoid defeat in the opening two games, he clocked the second fastest sprint in the Premier League so far at 22.12 mph. Given that Traore is considered one of the fastest players in Europe, there's a very good chance that he might top this speed come the end of the season.
#1 Adam Armstrong (Southampton) - 22.15 mph
Another Southampton player on the list, Saints' new forward Adam Armstrong is the fastest player in the Premier League so far, clocking a speed of 22.15 mph.
Armstrong arrived at Southampton from Blackburn Rovers for a fee of £16 million this summer and immediately hit the ground running. He scored on his debut against Everton, although the Saints eventually fell to a 3-1 defeat at Goodison Park.
Armstrong played the full 90 minutes against Everton and then against Manchester United the following week and impressed in both the games alongside Che Adams.
His Premier League-topping pace played a big part in his first top-flight goal. He and Adams shut down Everton centre-back Michael Keane to win the ball. Armstrong then used his pace to steer away from opposition players and fired a perfect shot past Jordan Pickford.
He was also impressive in the draw against Manchester United and caught the players in possession a number of times by pressing them with his speed.
With incredible pace and lethal finishing, Armstrong will definitely be a problem for the Premier League defenders this season.
