£54m Man City ace has even been faster than Erling Haaland in the Premier League this season – it’s not Walker

Add as preferred source on Google

Pep Guardiola might look into prioritising athleticism in his team selections for Manchester City’s upcoming fixtures.

With Manchester City playing teams that are blistering going forward such as Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in their next three games, they will be wary of being hurt in transition.

In such potentially open games, Pep Guardiola’s men will also be offered the chance to score goals on the break.

Up front, Erling Haaland thrives in such scenarios, as exemplified by his second goal in City’s 4-1 victory against Ipswich Town this season.

When Jeremy Doku returns from his latest injury, his speed will also prove to be handy in such situations.

At the back, the rapid Kyle Walker can also be Manchester City’s insurance policy to stop quick breaks.

• READ MORE: Man City Premier League fixture list for 2024/25 season in full

Matheus Nunes faster than Erling Haaland in the Premier League

Pep Guardiola will be hoping that his City side can handle the hustle and bustle of such matches.

Guardiola admitted Manchester City struggled against Bournemouth in their 2-1 defeat at the Vitality Stadium due to the hosts’ “intensity.”

The Manchester City boss will be delighted to discover that Squawka have revealed that Matheus Nunes has recorded the second-highest top speed (36.72 km/h) out of any player in the Premier League this season.

Haaland is sixth on the list, with his top speed in the league this campaign being 35.74 km/h.

The other names included Amadou Onana (10th, 35.54 km/h), Gabriel Martinelli (ninth, 35.57 km/h), Antonee Robinson (eighth, 35.63 km/h), Timo Werner (seventh, 35.69 km/h), Mykhailo Mudryk (fifth, 35.79 km/h), Anthony Elanga (fourth, 35.9 km/h), Carlos Forbs (third, 36.57 km/h), Micky van de Ven (37.12 km/h).

Last Wednesday, it was revealed that Pep Guardiola could play Matheus Nunes in midfield as he admires his energy and endeavour.

Guardiola claimed Nunes is “as fast” as Haaland in transition as well.

Haaland has been walking a lot for Man City this season

In October, BBC Sport revealed that Haaland has walked the most distance (28.2 km) out of any player in the league this campaign.

While that might have even changed since then, it was also revealed that the Norwegian has sprinted the most (96) times out of any Manchester City player.

Perhaps Haaland’s habit of walking is why the £54.5 million man has recorded a faster top speed than him this campaign.

Manchester City might have internally decided not to overburden their star striker.

Due to Haaland’s sheer stature, him constantly running at full speed could make him quite vulnerable to injuries.

Considering the two-time Premier League winner has started every league game this season as well, perhaps there is a strategy at play to allow him to have a breather during games.

Regardless, Manchester City have a pair of incredibly quick players in both Nunes and Haaland who could team up to demolish opposition sides on the break.