Premier League Skill Showdown: The Best and Worst in Every Category
Discover the standout Premier League players excelling in specific skills, from speed to passing, and uncover who’s lagging behind. Dive into the data-driven analysis of the league's top performers.
The Premier League's Skill Masters and Underperformers
Premier League players are constantly scrutinized for their performances, but how do they stack up in specific skills? Using detailed data from PFF FC, we’ve identified the standout players in various categories—and those who fall short. Here’s the breakdown:
Fastest Player: Erling Haaland, Manchester City
Haaland tops the speed charts with a max speed of 35.59 km/h (22.11 mph). His size and pace make him a nightmare for defenders.
Slowest Player: Casemiro, Manchester United
Casemiro’s max speed of 27.85 km/h (17.31 mph) is the slowest among outfield players, even lagging behind some goalkeepers.
Best Shooter: Cole Palmer, Chelsea
Palmer boasts a 99.5 shooting grade and has outperformed his expected goals (xG) by 5.5, cementing his place as Chelsea’s lethal finisher.
Best Header: Chris Wood, Nottingham Forest
Wood leads the league with six headed goals and a 97.8 grade for headed shots, making him the most effective in front of goal.
Worst Header: Rasmus Højlund, Manchester United
Højlund’s 49.7 aerial duel grade and 24.2% win rate highlight his struggles in the air.
Best Passer Under Pressure: Youri Tielemans, Aston Villa
Tielemans excels with a 95.8 grade, completing the most passes under pressure this season.
Worst Passer Under Pressure: Victor Kristiansen, Leicester City
Kristiansen’s 48.5 grade under pressure makes him the league’s least effective passer in tight situations.
Most Aggressive Presser: Omari Hutchinson, Ipswich Town
Hutchinson has applied 1,120 pressures this season, the most in the league, showcasing his relentless work rate.
Best Tackler: Tyrick Mitchell, Crystal Palace
Mitchell’s 90.2 tackling grade ranks him as the league’s top defender in one-on-one situations.
Best Shot-Stopper: Matz Sels, Nottingham Forest
Sels leads with a 90.1 shot-stopping grade, proving his worth in goal despite earlier criticisms.
Most Efficient Mover: Mohamed Salah, Liverpool
Salah’s ability to balance walking and sprinting makes him a constant threat, as he accelerates 478 times while his team is in possession.
From speed demons to aerial specialists, these players define what it means to excel in specific skills—or struggle to keep up. The data doesn’t lie, and neither does the Premier League’s competitive edge.
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