The 5 Slowest Players of the 2024-25 Premier League Season
- Think Football Ideas
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 13
Football might be a game where speed often steals the spotlight, but not all players rely on blistering pace to make an impact. In fact, some of the Premier League’s most skilled players are slower than others, and their ability to perform at the highest level shows that pace isn’t everything.
Here, we take a look at the five slowest outfield players in the 2024-25 Premier League, ranked from the slowest to the least slow. These players don't often cruise past defenders, but their talent and influence on the pitch are undeniable.
The 2024-25 Premier League Season's 5 Slowest Players
1. Bernardo Silva (18.2 mph)
Bernardo Silva, the 30-year-old Portuguese maestro at Manchester City, is leading the list of slowest Premier League players.
While his top speed of just 18.2 mph is the slowest recorded by any outfield player this season, Silva more than makes up for it with his exceptional skill set. His technical brilliance, dribbling, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game mean he doesn’t rely on blistering pace, but his influence is undeniable.
In addition to his creative vision and intelligent decision-making, Silva is also one of the hardest-working players on the field, covering an impressive 11.9 km per 90 minutes, ranking fourth among all players in the Premier League this season.
His ability to track back, press high, and contribute defensively and offensively makes him an invaluable asset to Pep Guardiola's side, who haven't been at their best this term. Despite not being the fastest, Silva proves that in football, it's not always about raw speed—it's about intelligence, vision, and relentless work ethic.
2. Craig Dawson (18.3 mph)
In second place is Craig Dawson, the dependable defender for Wolves, with a top speed of 18.3 mph. While Dawson may not be known for his pace, he’s a solid presence in defence, using his positioning and aerial ability to great effect.
As a central defender, his slower speed is not a huge concern, as his tactical awareness and ability to read the game are key attributes that make him a vital part of the Wolves' backline.
3. Mikel Merino (18.5 mph)
Next on the list is Mikel Merino of Arsenal, with a top speed of 18.5 mph. The Spanish midfielder is a technical and intelligent player who can play several positions.
Currently filling in as a striker for the Gunners due to injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, he has already notched six goals while maintaining a 48% shooting accuracy.
His slower speed doesn’t hinder his ability to battle in the midfield, disrupting opposition attacks and filling in as a false nine.
4. Casemiro (18.8 mph)
In fourth place is Casemiro, the Brazilian defensive midfielder for Manchester United. With a top speed of 18.8 mph, Casemiro is known more for his power, defensive skills, and leadership rather than his pace, especially now that he is in the late stages of his career.
Despite being one of the slowest players in the Premier League today, Casemiro can still play a pivotal role in breaking up opposition attacks, protecting the defence, and controlling the middle of the park. His lack of speed is more than compensated for by his strength, positioning, and football IQ when surrounded by the right players.
5. Tomas Soucek (18.8 mph)
Rounding out our list is Tomas Soucek, the 6'4" midfielder for West Ham United, who shares a top speed of 18.8 mph with Casemiro. While he may not be known for outpacing his opponents, Soucek's influence on the pitch goes far beyond his speed.
With an impressive total of 140.8 km per 90 minutes this season, he is the Premier League’s hardest-working player in terms of distance covered, ahead of Dejan Kulusevski (12.3km per 90 minutes), Sandro Tonali (12.2km per 90 minutes) and Bernardo Silva (11.9km per 90 minutes).
Soucek’s physical presence, aerial dominance, and tireless work rate in both boxes make him a key asset for West Ham. He is relentless in his running, constantly covering ground to support his team defensively and offensively.
Though not the quickest, his ability to battle in the middle of the park, win headers, and contribute across the field makes him an invaluable player for Graham Potter's Hammers.
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