How does Anthony Elanga compare to the Premier League’s fastest players?

SPORTIVO
Article arrow_drop_down

Anthony Elanga has multiple strengths.

He can score goals and make them. In the past two years with Nottingham Forest, his work off the ball has improved significantly.

But there is one attribute that stands out above all others with Newcastle United’s potential new signing — raw speed.

In the 2024-25 Premier League, the former Manchester United academy winger recorded both the third-highest top speed and spent the third-highest percentage of time sprinting.

Advertisement

On top of his other attributes, the 23-year-old Sweden international is an old-fashioned speed merchant. His talents were utilised to perfection last season — Forest were set up unashamedly as a counter-attacking team by coach Nuno Espirito Santo and his staff, soaking up pressure and playing on the break. The pace offered by Elanga and fellow wide man Callum Hudson-Odoi was crucial to their attacking plan.

Elanga clearly prides himself on his speed. Just this week, he posted a video on his Instagram account of him apparently clocking 10.93 seconds for a 100m sprint — less than a second and a half outside Usain Bolt’s world record of 9.58, set almost 16 years ago.

How strongly Elanga feels about his pace was obvious when the latest edition of the FIFA video game gave Forest team-mate Ola Aina a higher speed rating than him — 89 to 87.

“I was not happy,” he told The Athletic in a December 2024 interview. “But I don’t take it that seriously because I am actually doing it in the Premier League — and I am the fastest in the dressing room. I’d go as far as saying I am the fastest in the Premier League.”

The statistics do not quite support Elanga’s bold claim — but they are not far away.

So, what do the numbers say, and just how does he use his gift of pace?


Is Elanga the fastest player in the Premier League?

According to official data from the league, the answer is no. But he is definitely in the conversation.

The top speed recorded in the Premier League last season was by Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven, who was clocked at 37.12 kilometres per hour (23.06mph). Matheus Nunes of Manchester City was second with a best of 36.72 km/h, with Elanga a fraction behind at 36.66 km/h.

Highest speeds – Premier League 24-25

Player Club Top Speed (km/h)

Micky van de Ven

Tottenham

37.12

Matheus Nunes

Man City

36.72

Anthony Elanga

N Forest

36.66

Bryan Mbeumo

Brentford

36.63

Carlos Forbs

Wolves

36.57

Yankuba Minteh

Brighton

36.39

Wilson Odobert

Tottenham

36.36

Abdukodir Khusanov

Man City

36.27

Emmanuel Agbadou

Wolves

36.15

Erling Haaland

Man City

36.01

So, while Elanga might not quite be the Premier League’s premier speedster, he does boast the quickest speed recorded by a forward in the 2024-25 campaign.


What else does the data show us?

Charting footballers’ pace is traditionally considered to be difficult statistically, but top speed is not the only metric to consider. By using a couple of other data sets, we can create a clearer picture of the fastest players in the English top flight.

The league keeps a log of the number of sprints undertaken by each player in the division, and Elanga also ranked highly in that table last season — seventh with 730.

Most sprints – Premier League 24-25

Player Club Sprints

Daniel Munoz

C Palace

905

Antonee Robinson

Fulham

876

Bryan Mbeumo

Brentford

870

Milos Kerkez

Bournemouth

845

Anthony Gordon

Newcastle

781

Tyrick Mitchell

C Palace

733

Anthony Elanga

N Forest

730

Tino Livramento

Newcastle

717

Antoine Semenyo

Bournemouth

717

Lewis Cook

Bournemouth

648

Three of the top four spots are filled by full-backs — Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz, Antonee Robinson of Fulham and Liverpool new boy Milos Kerkez, who was playing for Bournemouth then. An existing Newcastle wide player, Anthony Gordon, was also among the league’s most frequent sprinters.

The Premier League also keeps tabs on the percentage of playing time that its footballers spend sprinting. Again, Elanga is among the leaders here.

Sprinting % time – Premier League 24-25

Name Club % time sprinting

Rodrigo Gomes

Wolves

1.18

Anthony Gordon

Newcastle

1.13

Anthony Elanga

N Forest

1.11

Darwin Nunez

Liverpool

1.09

Daniel Munoz

C Palace

1.05

Antonee Robinson

Fulham

1.04

Timo Werner

Tottenham

1.02

Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea

1.01

Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal

0.98

Conor Bradley

Liverpool

0.98

Portuguese youngster Rodrigo Gomes, of Wolverhampton Wanderers, chalked up last season’s highest rate at 1.18 per cent, Gordon came in second at 1.13 per cent and Elanga was third at 1.09 per cent.

So, whatever the metric, it is clear that Elanga is one of the Premier League’s fastest, and most regular, sprinters.


How does he use his pace?

That is the key question because, in football, raw pace alone does not always cut the mustard.

Carlos Forbs, for example, was clocked among the quickest players in the 2024-25 Premier League but was given just 260 minutes of action by Wolves during a season-long loan from Dutch side Ajax because the rest of his game did not hit the levels required.

Advertisement

Elanga, by contrast, employs his speed to affect matches positively, for both Forest and Sweden.

There are times when he uses his raw pace over longer distances to his advantage, such as in this example late in Sweden’s 2-0 away win against Hungary in a friendly last month.

He spots an opportunity to exploit space behind the opposition back line, and his speed is simply too much for Hungary’s Gabor Szalai. However, a wayward final shot by the Swede means Szalai is not punished for losing their race.

But Elanga’s greatest strengths are arguably using his pace intelligently off the ball and using it to travel quickly with the ball at his feet.

His most famous example of the former came at the City Ground in April, when he ran from the halfway line to score against Manchester United, his previous club, leaving defenders, most notably Patrick Dorgu, trailing in his wake.

And a prime example of the latter came against Tottenham Hotspur a year earlier, when he used his pace in short bursts to find space and provide a pinpoint assist for Chris Wood, who scored a simple tap-in.

Elanga might not quite be the Premier League’s fastest speedster, but he could make a strong case to be its most effective one.

(Top photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

This news was originally published on this post .

About the author

About the author call_made

SPORTIVO

More posts

Škarek podepsal smlouvu se San Jose

Online magazín deníku Právo & Seznam.czCopyright © 1996–2025, Seznam.cz, a.s., Borgis, a.s., ČTK, DPA, Reuters, fotobanka Profimedia.Publikování nebo další šíření obsahu serveru Sport.cz je bez písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis, a.s. zakázáno. RSS kanály serveru Sport.cz jsou určeny pouze pro osobní užití. Jakékoli kopírování, šíření nebo využívání obsahu RSS kanálů serveru Sport.cz bez předchozího písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis a.s. není dovoleno. Dodavatelem obsahu serveru Sport.cz a osobou vykonávající redakční odpovědnost je společnost BORGIS a.s. Šiřitelem reklamy na serveru Sport.cz je společnost Seznam.cz, a.s., IČO 26168685.

trending_flat
When is The Open on Sky Sports? Key TV times and ways to watch

The men's major season reaches its climax this month at The 153rd Open, with extended coverage from Royal Portrush exclusively live on Sky Sports.The tournament returns to Northern Ireland for the first time since 2019, when Shane Lowry impressed to claim his maiden major title, while Xander Schauffele is back as defending champion after last year's victory at Royal Troon. Rory McIlroy tees it up on home soil for the first time since completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters in April, with McIlroy looking to register a second major win of the season and claim a first victory in Northern Ireland as a professional. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Rory McIlroy's best shots from his historical victory at The Masters, where he completed the career Grand Slam World No 1 Scottie Scheffler is […]

trending_flat
Ghaiyya and Orionis clash at Ascot

We have a busy day of flat action on Friday with racing from Ascot, Chepstow and Chester, live on Sky Sports Racing...3.45 Ascot - Hat-trick seeking Orionis and Ghaiyya clashThe Investec Out Of The Ordinary EBF Fillies' Handicap at Ascot is a belter with three hat-trick-seeking fillies among a field of 10. This is wide open, but Orionis has created a favourable impression winning her last two starts with a bit in hand and must be considered off this two-pound-higher mark. Japanese jockey Mirai Iwata is in the plate seeking a first British success.Charlie Johnston's Ghaiyya is another who seeks a treble after victories at Thirsk and Chester. This improving filly seems capable of better as she heads up in grade.Tattycoram drops in class having finished third in Listed company at Goodwood, while Chilli Queen is another worth a mention […]

trending_flat
Cooper Flagg vs. Bronny and more Summer League takeaways + State of basketball in LA

Subscribe to The Kevin O'Connor ShowHow did Cooper Flagg fare in his NBA Summer League debut? KOC breaks down the Mavericks' matchup against the Lakers, with Dallas edging out Los Angeles 87-85. He shares more of his observations from around the league, including Herb Jones' contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans. Then, KOC is joined by Jason Timpf from Hoops Tonight and Daman Rangoola from Stratechery to discuss the state of basketball in Los Angeles. Is LeBron James' silence towards Deandre Ayton a sign he wants out of LA? And which Western Conference team is most likely to take out the OKC Thunder in next year's playoffs?AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement(0:26) - Biggest takeaways from day 1 of NBA Summer League(5:30) - What’s going on with Lebron and the Lakers?(23:43) - Are the Clippers or Lakers in a better position to win this […]

Fotbalisty Slovácka posílil obránce Mulder

Levý 189 cm vysoký obránce s výborným fyzickým fondem během dosavadní kariéry prošel akademiemi Maccabi Tel Aviv, Alkmaaru nebo Den Haagu, kde také debutoval v Eredivisii. Pak působil v nizozemských klubech Telstar a Oss, naposledy oblékal dres litevského Hegelmannu. V uplynulé sezoně za něj nastoupil do 11 ligových utkání.„Jonathan je moderní krajní bek, který splňuje naše nároky jak po fyzické, tak po herní stránce. Věříme, že se rychle adaptuje a pomůže nám zvýšit konkurenci na levé straně obrany,“ řekl o bývalém mládežnickém reprezentantovi Izraele sportovní ředitel Veliče Šumulikoski.Nový trenér Slovácka Jan Kameník dosud přivítal v kádru pět nových tváří, před Mulderem také Daniela Koska z Chrudimi, Daniela Tetoura z kyperského Achnasu a dva navrátilce Daniela Holáska, jenž hostoval v Petržalce, a veterána Milana Petrželu. Ten se do klubu vrátil po půlroční anabázi na Žižkově.

trending_flat
Netflix’s ‘Quarterback’ series showcases a Kirk Cousins who is longing to return to the Vikings

At one point during the second season of the Netflix “Quarterback” series, Kirk Cousins is relaxing at home with his wife Julie, and he invokes a metaphor for his feelings about moving on from the Minnesota Vikings after the 2024 season.“I heard somebody describing it as when you see someone dating the person you used to date in like high school or college,” Cousins said. “You’re like, ‘I used to throw to Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson and now someone else is enjoying doing that.’ That’s interesting.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCousins went on, delving into his Week 14 game during the 2024 season, when his Atlanta Falcons traveled to face Minnesota for the first time since he’d left the Vikings in free agency.“I was asked by the broadcasting group for the game, ‘What about Atlanta made you want to leave Minnesota?’ And I said, […]

Related

Škarek podepsal smlouvu se San Jose

Online magazín deníku Právo & Seznam.czCopyright © 1996–2025, Seznam.cz, a.s., Borgis, a.s., ČTK, DPA, Reuters, fotobanka Profimedia.Publikování nebo další šíření obsahu serveru Sport.cz je bez písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis, a.s. zakázáno. RSS kanály serveru Sport.cz jsou určeny pouze pro osobní užití. Jakékoli kopírování, šíření nebo využívání obsahu RSS kanálů serveru Sport.cz bez předchozího písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis a.s. není dovoleno. Dodavatelem obsahu serveru Sport.cz a osobou vykonávající redakční odpovědnost je společnost BORGIS a.s. Šiřitelem reklamy na serveru Sport.cz je společnost Seznam.cz, a.s., IČO 26168685.

trending_flat
Ghaiyya and Orionis clash at Ascot

We have a busy day of flat action on Friday with racing from Ascot, Chepstow and Chester, live on Sky Sports Racing...3.45 Ascot - Hat-trick seeking Orionis and Ghaiyya clashThe Investec Out Of The Ordinary EBF Fillies' Handicap at Ascot is a belter with three hat-trick-seeking fillies among a field of 10. This is wide open, but Orionis has created a favourable impression winning her last two starts with a bit in hand and must be considered off this two-pound-higher mark. Japanese jockey Mirai Iwata is in the plate seeking a first British success.Charlie Johnston's Ghaiyya is another who seeks a treble after victories at Thirsk and Chester. This improving filly seems capable of better as she heads up in grade.Tattycoram drops in class having finished third in Listed company at Goodwood, while Chilli Queen is another worth a mention […]

trending_flat
When is The Open on Sky Sports? Key TV times and ways to watch

The men's major season reaches its climax this month at The 153rd Open, with extended coverage from Royal Portrush exclusively live on Sky Sports.The tournament returns to Northern Ireland for the first time since 2019, when Shane Lowry impressed to claim his maiden major title, while Xander Schauffele is back as defending champion after last year's victory at Royal Troon. Rory McIlroy tees it up on home soil for the first time since completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters in April, with McIlroy looking to register a second major win of the season and claim a first victory in Northern Ireland as a professional. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Rory McIlroy's best shots from his historical victory at The Masters, where he completed the career Grand Slam World No 1 Scottie Scheffler is […]

trending_flat
Cooper Flagg vs. Bronny and more Summer League takeaways + State of basketball in LA

Subscribe to The Kevin O'Connor ShowHow did Cooper Flagg fare in his NBA Summer League debut? KOC breaks down the Mavericks' matchup against the Lakers, with Dallas edging out Los Angeles 87-85. He shares more of his observations from around the league, including Herb Jones' contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans. Then, KOC is joined by Jason Timpf from Hoops Tonight and Daman Rangoola from Stratechery to discuss the state of basketball in Los Angeles. Is LeBron James' silence towards Deandre Ayton a sign he wants out of LA? And which Western Conference team is most likely to take out the OKC Thunder in next year's playoffs?AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement(0:26) - Biggest takeaways from day 1 of NBA Summer League(5:30) - What’s going on with Lebron and the Lakers?(23:43) - Are the Clippers or Lakers in a better position to win this […]

Fotbalisty Slovácka posílil obránce Mulder

Levý 189 cm vysoký obránce s výborným fyzickým fondem během dosavadní kariéry prošel akademiemi Maccabi Tel Aviv, Alkmaaru nebo Den Haagu, kde také debutoval v Eredivisii. Pak působil v nizozemských klubech Telstar a Oss, naposledy oblékal dres litevského Hegelmannu. V uplynulé sezoně za něj nastoupil do 11 ligových utkání.„Jonathan je moderní krajní bek, který splňuje naše nároky jak po fyzické, tak po herní stránce. Věříme, že se rychle adaptuje a pomůže nám zvýšit konkurenci na levé straně obrany,“ řekl o bývalém mládežnickém reprezentantovi Izraele sportovní ředitel Veliče Šumulikoski.Nový trenér Slovácka Jan Kameník dosud přivítal v kádru pět nových tváří, před Mulderem také Daniela Koska z Chrudimi, Daniela Tetoura z kyperského Achnasu a dva navrátilce Daniela Holáska, jenž hostoval v Petržalce, a veterána Milana Petrželu. Ten se do klubu vrátil po půlroční anabázi na Žižkově.

trending_flat
Netflix’s ‘Quarterback’ series showcases a Kirk Cousins who is longing to return to the Vikings

At one point during the second season of the Netflix “Quarterback” series, Kirk Cousins is relaxing at home with his wife Julie, and he invokes a metaphor for his feelings about moving on from the Minnesota Vikings after the 2024 season.“I heard somebody describing it as when you see someone dating the person you used to date in like high school or college,” Cousins said. “You’re like, ‘I used to throw to Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson and now someone else is enjoying doing that.’ That’s interesting.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCousins went on, delving into his Week 14 game during the 2024 season, when his Atlanta Falcons traveled to face Minnesota for the first time since he’d left the Vikings in free agency.“I was asked by the broadcasting group for the game, ‘What about Atlanta made you want to leave Minnesota?’ And I said, […]

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sportivo bridges the gap between talent and opportunity.

About SPORTIVO

Sportivo Network is a dedicated social platform for sports enthusiasts, athletes, and scouts. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete looking for opportunities, a coach searching for talent, or simply a sports lover wanting to connect with like-minded people, Sportivo is your go-to network. With features like direct messaging, profile showcasing, and talent scouting, Sportivo bridges the gap between talent and opportunity. Here, you can share your achievements, interact with professionals, and open doors to the next level in your sports journey. Join Sportivo Network – because every great athlete deserves to be discovered!
Copyright © 2025 SPORTIVO News. and SPORTIVO Network. All rights reserved.

Login to enjoy full advantages

Please login or subscribe to continue.

Go Premium!

Enjoy the full advantage of the premium access.

Stop following

Unfollow Cancel

Cancel subscription

Are you sure you want to cancel your subscription? You will lose your Premium access and stored playlists.

Go back Confirm cancellation