English football has long been associated with the physical aspects of the game tracing back to the formative kick-and-rush days.
And despite the heavy contemporary influence of overseas minds, the cult of athleticism once worshipped in 19th-century English public schools continues to remain of great significance. "Physicality" and "athleticism" are broad terms, but within them lies a common denominator: speed.
We can all appreciate the wonder of collective cohesion on the football pitch. Slick passing sequences and even astute pressing schemes are well worthy of acclaim, but there’s nothing quite like the stripping down of the sport, which continues to increase in complexity.
Whether it’s a winger hitting the byline or a midfielder cutting through the heart of a defensive structure in transition, watching footballers run fast gets bums off seats and builds a sense of anticipation like nothing else in the sport.
The Premier League continues to be blessed with speedsters from top to bottom, and the has ranked the fastest attacks the division has to offer heading into 2025–26 based on average top speeds from last season.
