Micky van de Ven says Newcastle United have the ‘fastest player’ he’s ever come up against

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Newcastle United, on paper at least, have some devastating attacking options in their squad following the arrival of Anthony Elanga. 

While the Newcastle United squad lacks depth in the central striker position, Eddie Howe has an array of options elsewhere.  

Clearly, much will depend on Alexander Isak. The Newcastle forward has asked to leave the club, though there’s no absolute guarantee he will leave this summer. 

If – and it’s a big if – Isak stays, then Newcastle’s attack looks strong. The addition of Elanga is a huge positive, with the former Nottingham Forest winger producing 11 Premier League assists last season. 

Isak has caused Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven a few problems in the past, and the Dutchman has also talked of Elanga’s searing speed. 

• Who is Anthony Elanga? Newcastle United’s brand new £55m winger

Micky van de Ven praises Anthony Elanga’s pace  

The Spurs star is generally looked upon as one of the fastest players in the Premier League right now.

As good as he is, however, Van de Ven has struggled against Isak. In five games against the north London side, he’s bagged six goals.

Still, speaking during a pre-season tour of Asia during which Spurs will play Newcastle in Seoul on Sunday, Van de Ven revealed Elanga was in fact the fastest player he’s ever played against.

Asked who the fastest Premier League star he’s ever encountered was, Van de Ven responded: “I know Anthony Elanga, he just signed for Newcastle. 

“Really fast player, so I think I will put him up the list.” 

How fast is Anthony Elanga?  

Newcastle paid £55million for Elanga, so have clearly been impressed by much more than his speed. 

Pace is not the only part of his game, of course. Only Mohamed Salah (18) and Jacob Murphy (12) produced more Premier League assists last season, so his qualities go far beyond his speed. 

That pace, however, is difficult not to talk about.

Before joining Newcastle, Elanga posted an Instagram video of himself hitting a top speed of 39.75kph during a sprint. 

With Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Murphy, and potentially Isak available next season, pace won’t be a problem for Newcastle in attack.