West Ham defender Ryan Fredericks was clocked as the fourth-fastest Premier League player in August, according to Opta (via the Mirror).
The free summer signing from Fulham recorded a top speed of 34.767 km/h against Arsenal.
While he is known for being fairly quick, it’s certainly a surprise to see him so high up.
Especially in a division famous for having fast players.
Interestingly, Fredericks was only beaten by Dominic Calvert-Lewin (34.935 km/h vs Southampton) of Everton, Kyle Walker (34.845 km/h vs Arsenal) of Manchester City and Burnley’s Aaron Lennon (34.826 km/h vs Southampton).
Fredericks’ searing pace against the Gunners means he is officially quicker than the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (fifth-fastest) and Leroy Sane (eighth-fastest), and Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Raheem Sterling, Eden Hazard and Theo Walcott; none of whom even made the top 20.
A handy attribute
Fredericks’ pace is going to come in really handy this year.
The Premier League is such a fast-paced league with so many quick wingers.
There are going to be times when the ball is played over the top into the channels.
That is where Fredericks can use his speed to mop up the danger.
And then of course, it can be used as a great weapon in attack.
If he can find the right balance between attack and defence; then he could become a very important player for the Hammers.
So far the defence has been shaky but Fredericks has shown flashes of his promise.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
