UEFA have kept an eye on the fastest sprint speeds recorded at Euro 2024 with Kylian Mbappe leading the way ahead of the likes of Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven in Germany
Kylian Mbappe has not enjoyed the Euro 2024 he expected with just one goal and the burden of a protective mask on his face.
Despite suffering an injury that might have even threatened his place at the tournament, the French talisman remains in the competition targeting a place in the final when his country faces Spain on Tuesday evening. Despite his struggles, Real Madrid’s latest signing has showcased one of his main strengths this summer and has recorded the fastest speed out of every player in Germany.
He tops the list ahead of the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, the Manchester United striker who struggled in the Euros with Denmark, and Netherlands and Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven. Also on the list is former Manchester City duo Ferran Torres and Leroy Sane.
Speed remains a key quality for players looking to challenge the opposition defence, and it’s little surprise to see forwards and wingers dominate UEFA’s top 10 list of speeds record so far during Euro 2024. Pace is even being discussed ahead of the semi-final matches, with England, Netherlands, France and Spain remaining in contention in Germany.
The Three Lions are the only one of the final four to not have a representative in the list of 10 fastest players. That did not prevent Van de Ven being asked whether his speed would be required to slow Arsenal star Bukayo Saka on Wednesday evening.
“If you look at the data, I think you already have your answer,”, Van de Ven replied when asked who was quicker. Cody Gakpo was quick to clarify: “According to the data, he is the fastest ever in the Premier League. He is difficult to play against. He is strong, fast, good on the ball, good defensively. He is doing excellently.”
Van de Ven believes Ronald Koeman will be able to keep faith in Nathan Ake and Virgil van Dijk without concern, should he choose to do so. The Spurs defender has only appeared from the bench so far in Euro 2024.
“That is up to the national coach,” he said. “Nathan and Virgil are in front of me, they are two fantastic defenders who also do well. Then it is up to me to accept that. Saka is a good footballer with speed, but Nathan and Virgil also have a lot of speed. I am sure that they can also take him out.”
It will be Spain’s backline who will be tested by pace the most in the semi-finals. France are the only side to have two of the quickest players in the tournament with Theo Hernandez making the top 10 in addition to Mbappe.
The 10 fastest recorded speeds at Euro 2024
10. Rafael Leao (Portugal) 35.5km/h
9. Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark) 35.5km/h
=7. Micky van de Ven (Netherlands) 35.6km/h
=7. Dan Nodye (Switzerland) 35.6km/h
6. Theo Hernandez (France) 35.7km/h
=4. Valentin Mihaila (Romania) 35.8km/h
=4. Leroy Sane (Germany) 35.8km/h
3. Benjamin Sesko (Slovenia) 35.9km/h
2. Ferran Torres (Spain) 36.0km/h
1. Kylian Mbappe (France) 36.5km/h
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