‘I can beat him’: Premier League centre-back says he’s even faster than Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven
Micky van de Ven has built a reputation at Tottenham as one of the Premier League’s fastest players, using his incredible pace to dominate defensively and recover quickly in challenging situations.
However, a new contender has emerged, challenging his status as the league’s quickest defender. Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix has claimed that he is even faster than the Dutchman, igniting a debate about who truly holds the title of the fastest defender in England’s top flight.
Speaking on Hawksbee and Jacobs Daily, Lacroix confidently stated that he believes he can outrun Van de Ven in a 100-meter race. The two defenders shared the pitch as teammates at Wolfsburg, and the Frenchman has no doubts about his own speed.
Reflecting on their time together, Lacroix expressed admiration for Van de Ven’s talent and his rise to the Premier League, acknowledging his former teammate’s ability while still insisting that he holds the edge in a footrace.
When asked directly whether he could beat Van de Ven over 100 meters, Lacroix did not hesitate, stating that while the Dutch defender is undoubtedly quick, he would back himself to win in a straight sprint.
Van de Ven’s top speed has been a talking point since his arrival at Tottenham, with the Dutchman recording some of the highest sprinting numbers in the league. His rapid acceleration and ability to cover ground have made him a vital asset for Ange Postecoglou’s high defensive line, allowing Spurs to play aggressively without fearing counterattacks.
The numbers, however, suggest that Van de Ven still holds the edge over his former teammate. Last season, he clocked an astonishing top speed of 37.38 km/h, surpassing Lacroix’s recorded maximum of 36.13 km/h.
While Lacroix was among the fastest players in the Bundesliga, his former defensive partner at Wolfsburg remains statistically superior in terms of outright pace.
The idea of two center-backs with near-Olympic sprinting capabilities playing alongside each other is almost unimaginable. A defensive pairing of Van de Ven and Lacroix would leave opposing forwards with little hope of breaking away, as both players possess the kind of speed that very few attackers can match.
Their ability to track back, intercept counterattacks, and recover from defensive errors makes them unique among center-backs, bringing a dynamic edge to their respective teams.
At Tottenham, Van de Ven’s pace has been sorely missed in recent weeks due to his hamstring injury, which has sidelined him for a crucial part of the season.
His absence has exposed vulnerabilities in the Spurs backline, as few defenders can replicate his ability to chase down attackers and provide last-ditch recoveries. Fans eagerly anticipate his return, hoping that his injury has not affected the incredible speed that has become his trademark.
Given his previous performances, Spurs supporters have every reason to believe that he will regain his blistering pace and continue to be one of the most dominant defenders in the Premier League.
The debate between Van de Ven and Lacroix will likely continue, but for now, the numbers favor the Tottenham defender. Until Lacroix records a higher top speed in the Premier League, Van de Ven remains the fastest defender in England’s top flight.