New Chelsea arrival Mudryk sets pace for EPL season with record speed
The London club Chelsea has added Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk to its ranks, and early reports credit him with breaking the current EPL season speed mark. OptaJoe provided the data confirming the sprint that left other contenders behind. Mudryk’s pace in his first appearance for Chelsea surpassed the previous top speed recorded by a Premier League player this season, marking a notable moment in league speed measurements.
During his competitive debut against Liverpool, which finished in a 0-0 draw, Mudryk reached a peak velocity of 36.63 kilometers per hour. This sprint edged out the prior season-best pace of 36.61 km/h registered by Anthony Gordon of Everton. The achievement places Mudryk among the fastest players in the league for the current campaign, and it signals how his acceleration could influence Chelsea’s attacking dynamics in upcoming fixtures.
In the broader context of top sprinting in the Premier League, Mudryk’s performance joins a select group of rapid players. The list also features Darwin Núñez of Liverpool at 36.53 km/h, Erling Haaland of Manchester City at 36.22 km/h, and Denis Zakaria of Chelsea at 36.09 km/h. These speeds illustrate the ongoing emphasis on explosive pace as a differentiator in modern top-tier football and reflect the league’s continued focus on high-intensity sprinting and acceleration as key performance indicators.
News surrounding Mudryk’s transfer indicates a substantial investment: Chelsea secured the winger for €100 million, with a portion of the total tied to performance bonuses. The move marked a high-profile transfer window moment as the club sought to bolster its attacking options and youth with a player who had previously featured for Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine’s Premier League and European competitions. The terms of the deal underscore Chelsea’s ambitions to compete at the highest level while integrating new talent into a demanding schedule and tactical setup.
Regarding contract length, Mudryk reportedly agreed to a lengthy arrangement with Chelsea, reflecting the club’s intent to develop a lasting connection with the player and maximize his impact over multiple seasons. The signing aligns with Chelsea’s broader strategy of acquiring young, versatile attackers capable of contributing across various formations and systems, while also considering the demands of a packed calendar that includes domestic league play, cup competitions, and European events.
Meanwhile, reports concerning the ownership and strategic direction of Chelsea have highlighted the ongoing evolution of the club’s leadership and player development approach. The arrival of Mudryk is viewed within this broader narrative as part of a shift toward rebuilding a squad capable of competing for major honours in England and across Europe. It remains to be seen how his speed, technical ability, and adaptability will translate into consistent match-winning performances as the season progresses. Attribution for the sprint data remains with OptaJoe, whose analysis continues to inform fans and analysts about the relative pace of players in top competitions.