MANCHESTER UNITED academy starlet Deji Sotona is causing shockwaves as the club’s fastest player.
The winger, 17, managed a stunning top speed of 22.9mph during recent tests at Carrington, according to the Daily Mail.
Deji Sotona is Manchester United’s quickest player with a top speed of 22.9mph in recent tests at trainingCredit: www.manutd.com
It is understood that his speed was a whopping 1.2mph quicker than anyone else at the club in the tests – Diogo Dalot was second – including speed kings Daniel James and Marcus Rashford.
Sotona is part of the Under-18s side at Manchester United, with some tipping him to break into the first team.
The teen was crowned Ireland’s Under-14 sprint champion aged just 12 and has played for the Republic of Ireland at youth level, although he could also represent England.
Romelu Lukaku faced a backlash from his former employers when he revealed the Manchester United speed rankings during pre-season.
Then, Dalot came out on top with a speed of 22.6mph followed by Lukaku’s 22.5mph, Tahith Chong’s 22.3mph, Rashford’s 22.1mph and James’ 22mph.
James earned a reputation as a speedster during his breakthrough season with Swansea last year, especially with his staggering solo goal against Brentford in the FA Cup, racing from one end of the pitch to the other in a matter of seconds.
And he has impressed plenty of United coaches and supporters already this season with his performances on the wing.
Not only has he got pace to burn, the Welshman has demonstrated he can apply the finishing touch, too, with three goals in his opening four matches.
Daniel James has made a flying start to life in the Premier League with his pace and goalsCredit: Reuters
But his smooth transition to the Premier League has not come as a surprise to Joe Rodon, who reckons the success will not go to James’ head.
The Swansea and Wales defender said: “DJ hasn’t got a bad bone in his body. He’s a brilliant kid, a close friend and is in great form.
“United are a massive club and for him to go there and do that is a credit to him. Hopefully he can continue to perform at a high level.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
