LONDON - Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has been named the fastest player in the Premier League this season.

According to the pace recorded by statistical service Opta, Rudiger recorded the fastest pace of any player in the top tier of English football in a match against Brighton earlier this season.

Rudiger hit a speed of 36.7 km/h (22.8 mph), placing him top of the Premier League table - narrowly ahead of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and former Wolves winger Adama Traore. Salah and Traore are second on the list having recorded speeds of 36.6 km/h (22.7 mph) this season.

Another Liverpool player, Ibrahima Konate, is fourth on the list after managing 36.2 km/h (22.5 mph). Meanwhile, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Leicester striker Patson Daka were fifth with a speed of 36.1 km/h (22.4 mph).

On the other hand, Rudiger is out of contract at Chelsea at the end of the season and was unable to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge due to the current sanction against club owner Roman Abramovich.

The 29-year-old defender has conducted pre-contract negotiations with a number of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich. "The future? Right now I'm here, I've always said that I'm happy here and we'll see what to do in the future," Rudiger was quoted as saying by Sportbible, Wednesday (23/3/2022).

Rudiger has won the Champions League and Club World Cup under Thomas Tuchel in the past year and the Germany international said he was proud of what the club had achieved. "I'm proud of my whole career, but what happened last year was incredible," said Rudiger.

"As a group we have achieved a lot, and had a lot of fun. There have also been some downs, which I think is normal. Personally, of course I am enjoying this moment. It is one thing when you feel good, when everything is well organised. and the team did well."