Speed is one of the most celebrated attributes in the Premier League. Every season, fans and pundits alike rave about the explosive pace of wingers and full-backs who can tear down the flanks at 36 or even 37 km/h. But what about the other end of the spectrum? The players who rarely hit those top gears, yet still make a huge impact for their teams?

This season’s data offers an interesting look at the slowest outfield players in the league. And while they may lack raw pace, their importance is undeniable.

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The Five Slowest Outfield Players in 2024-25

• Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) – 29.4 km/h
• Craig Dawson (Wolves) – 29.6 km/h
• Mikel Merino (Arsenal) – 29.8 km/h
• Casemiro (Manchester United) – 30.2 km/h
• Tomáš Souček (West Ham United) – 30.2 km/h

If we include goalkeepers, Fulham’s Bernd Leno technically tops the overall list at just 23.6 km/h — but given the unique role of keepers, the focus here is on outfield players.

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Why Speed Isn’t Everything

At first glance, 29-30 km/h may seem slow when compared to lightning-quick forwards, but it’s worth putting that into perspective. These numbers are still very respectable in general athletic terms. It’s only within the Premier League’s uniquely fast environment that they appear modest.

So how do these players thrive despite their lack of blistering pace?

1. Position and Role

Most of the players on this list operate in central areas. Midfield anchors like Casemiro and Souček, or defenders like Dawson, aren’t expected to race past opponents in wide channels. Instead, their responsibilities involve intercepting, tackling, distributing, and maintaining structure.

2. Tactical Awareness

Bernardo Silva, for instance, may not top sprint charts, but his intelligence, work rate, and technical quality make him one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants. Reading the game a fraction earlier than an opponent often compensates for a lack of raw acceleration.

3. Age Factor

Several of these players are over 30. Naturally, peak sprinting ability declines with age. However, seasoned professionals often adapt by leaning more on anticipation and positioning, rather than relying on raw speed.

4. Work Rate Over Bursts

Tomáš Souček exemplifies how top speed doesn’t tell the whole story. He covers vast amounts of ground, jogging tirelessly, and rarely spends time walking. His engine, stamina, and willingness to press are far more valuable to West Ham than a lightning sprint.

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The Trade-Offs of Slower Players

In the Premier League, teams are built with balance in mind. Managers often surround slower central players with quicker teammates in wide or forward roles. This creates a dynamic blend of power, pace, and control.

• Slower defenders rely on organisation, aerial strength, and experience.
• Slower midfielders contribute through passing accuracy, pressing, and composure.
• Slower ball-playing technicians keep possession ticking over and unlock defences with vision rather than speed.

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The Takeaway

The Premier League is the fastest and most physical league in the world, so someone has to come last in the sprint race. But being among the “slowest” doesn’t make these players weak links — far from it. Bernardo Silva remains one of the best midfielders in Europe, Casemiro’s pedigree speaks for itself, and Souček continues to be indispensable for West Ham.

Speed is thrilling, but football is about far more than sprinting. This season proves once again that brains, positioning, and technical skill can more than make up for a lack of pure pace.