Speed holds significant importance in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, aligning with the German’s gegenpressing philosophy, which relies on high-intensity and rapid transitions.
Throughout the years, the team has boasted players with remarkable sprinting abilities, from Mohamed Salah’s explosive speed to Sadio Mane’s agility. Even currently, Liverpool’s roster includes individuals capable of reaching top speeds.
Darwin Nunez ranks among the fastest players in European football, with his pace posing a daunting challenge to defenders. Additionally, Dominik Szoboszlai has recently been recognized as one of the quickest players in the Premier League. However, according to Cody Gakpo, there’s a player within Liverpool’s ranks who surpasses them both in terms of speed.
During a discussion on the Carabao Cup’s Twitter channel, Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones, both Liverpool teammates, were asked about the fastest player at the club. This prompted a debate between the two.
Jones asserted that Darwin Nunez held the title of the fastest player. However, Gakpo countered, stating that it’s actually Luis Diaz who holds that distinction.
“The fastest Lucho. The numbers don’t lie,” Gakpo said. “Darwin is really fast, obviously, but the numbers don’t lie.”
The absence of a definitive answer between Jones and Gakpo is indeed promising, showcasing the abundance of speedsters within Liverpool’s squad. It highlights the team’s depth in terms of players capable of reaching top speeds. Both Nunez and Diaz have showcased their explosive pace throughout their tenures at Liverpool, further emphasizing the team’s wealth of talent in this aspect.
Indeed, when both Nunez and Diaz are in full stride, they become incredibly challenging to contain. While many might have initially anticipated Nunez to be the faster of the two, Diaz’s remarkable speed, especially with the ball at his feet, is undeniable. Their combined pace adds a formidable dimension to Liverpool’s attacking threat.