Dan James Caps the Premier League’s Speed Debate: Anthony Elanga Might Be Faster
As Leeds United gear up for what promises to be a tough Premier League campaign, one of their standout players—Dan James—has added a fascinating twist to ongoing debates about pace in English football. Known for his explosive bursts and electrifying one-on-one runs, James was recently asked in a BBC Sport interview to name any Premier League player he believes could outrun him. After staying silent on names like Marc Cucurella, Brennan Johnson, Gabriel Martinelli, Darwin Núñez, and Raphinha, he acknowledged Erling Haaland as a worthy competitor. But when Anthony Elanga’s name was mentioned, James broke his silence:
“I just watched his 100 metres in the off‑season and he got some crazy time, didn’t he? Obviously, I played with him and, yeah, he’s super quick. We’re very similar in stats.”
That recognition from James—himself a benchmark for speed—spotlights Elanga as a true elite-level sprinter in the Premier League.
From Manchester to Nottingham, and Now Newcastle: Elanga’s Speed Story
The Nottingham Forest Lightning Bolt
Anthony Elanga’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s fastest players isn’t just hearsay—it’s built on multiple pieces of tangible evidence:
Top Speed Rankings: In the 2024–25 season, Opta and Squawka data placed Elanga among the fastest in the league—clocking a top speed of 35.90 km/h, slightly ahead of Erling Haaland at 35.74 km/h .
Historic Lists: Metro UK ranked him second in the Premier League in top speed terms (35.90 km/h), behind only Micky van de Ven, and also fourth among all-time top speeds at an impressive 36.91 km/h .
Repeated High-Speed Sprints: Sky Sports data shows Elanga featured multiple times among the fastest sprints of the season, not just once but regularly in the top rankings—highlighting his consistency .
The Signature 85-Metre Burst
On April 1, 2025, Elanga delivered a moment that crystallised his pace for the world—and especially Man Utd defenders—to see:
He charged 85 metres in just 9 seconds, with the ball at his feet, to score a solo goal that stunned Manchester United fans and pundits alike . He followed up by noting:
“I believe I’m one of the fastest players in the league, and to back that, I had to show it on the pitch.”
Physical Metrics to Back It Up
Even more remarkable were off-season training metrics: Elanga clocked a 100 m sprint in 10.93 seconds from a standing start, reaching a peak speed of 39.75 km/h—figures more typical of Olympic sprinters than footballers .
How Does Elanga Compare Across the League?
Let’s map out where Elanga stands among his peers:
Player Club Top-Measured Speed Notes
Micky van de Ven Tottenham Hotspur 37.12 km/h Fastest in 2024–25; elite level
Anthony Elanga Nottingham Forest / Newcastle United ~35.9–36.9 km/h Consistently among fastest; frequent top-20 entries
Erling Haaland Manchester City 35.74 km/h Not known for pace, but still fast for his size
Others (Mart, Werner, etc.) Various clubs 35–36 km/h Several attackers/high-powered runners fill out the list
So while van de Ven may hold the fastest official sprint, Elanga’s frequency, replicability, and ball-inclusive bursts make him a uniquely threatening pace asset.
Dan James’ Perspective: The Pace Duel
Dan James doesn’t just own speed; he understands its value on the pitch. His admission that a race with Haaland would be “a good race” is telling—but tipping his hat to Elanga acknowledges someone who may truly rival or surpass him in raw sprint capabilities.
That sort of recognition from a peer—not a pundit or data wizard—adds human weight to the stats. It nudges the conversation beyond numbers and into real-world impact.
What This Means for Leeds, Newcastle, and the League
For Leeds and James: Their winger’s acknowledgement underscores Elanga’s threat level—and perhaps, with speed so prized in wide areas, Leeds might prepare for high-speed counterattacks when they line up against Newcastle.
For Newcastle: Elanga’s summer move to St. James’ Park represents a serious investment in pace—as reported, he joined for around £52–55 million, with Eddie Howe calling his speed and energy vital assets .
For the League: Elanga’s profile exemplifies the modern game’s evolution, where sustained sprinting, acceleration, and top-end speed matter—and measurable data can truly underscore tactical value. Add to that with data showing he’s among the fastest in long-distance carries and explosive in transitional attacks, and his role becomes even more pivotal .
Wrapping It All Together
Dan James’ powerful validation of Anthony Elanga’s pace isn’t just speculation—it’s fully backed by:
Match data showing Elanga’s repeat high-speed entries and top sprint velocities throughout the 2024–25 season.
Acy metrics from signature sprints like the 85-meter solo goal and off-season testing.
Expert analysis, including multiple Sky Sports insights and league stats.
And now, peer recognition—from another of the league’s swiftest wingers.
The narrative is clear: while Dan James remains one of the fastest, Anthony Elanga may well be the one outpacing him when it truly matters.