The Slowest Players in the Premier League in 2026/27

Pace is one of football’s most visible physical attributes, but it is not essential for every role.

Central midfielders can compensate for a modest top speed through anticipation, positioning and quick distribution. Experienced defenders can avoid foot races by reading danger early, while technically secure players can move the ball faster than any opponent can run.

Identifying the Premier League’s slowest players is not as straightforward as ranking its fastest. Maximum speed depends partly on opportunity. A winger regularly running into open space is far more likely to reach top speed than a midfielder operating in a compact central area.

This list is therefore based primarily on the lowest recorded maximum speeds from the completed 2025/26 Premier League season, cross-checked against the official 2026/27 squad lists. Where comparable tracking figures are not publicly available, selections are clearly identified as estimates.

Goalkeepers are excluded because their position rarely gives them an opportunity to reach a representative maximum running speed.

The ranking reflects current Premier League squads as of September 2026. It should be treated as an informed assessment rather than an official 2026/27 table.

The Estimated Slowest Premier League Players in 2026/27

Will Hughes, Crystal Palace

Mikel Merino, Arsenal

Nicolás Domínguez, Nottingham Forest

Pascal Groß, Brighton & Hove Albion

Adam Wharton, Crystal Palace

Granit Xhaka, Sunderland

Lewis Cook, Bournemouth

Ross Barkley, Aston Villa

Harry Maguire, Manchester United

Lewis Dunk, Brighton & Hove Albion

The first five names are supported by published 2025/26 maximum-speed data and remain registered with Premier League clubs in 2026/27. The final five are estimates based on playing style, position, career stage and observable mobility rather than a complete current-season speed table.