It seems to me that speed is the key to success these days, Getting to the ball first. Making breaks that catch the fullback on the hop. Tracking down the striker and clearing the ball.
Who can we get on the cheap that is really, really fast!

Speed is useful to try and out-run an opponent, but it's not everything. Positioning is the key to much of a prem players tool box. Case in point is Glen Johnson v Bolly. Johnson's bad positioning allowed Bolly to push the ball past him into open space that Johnson should have covered and retreated into, blocking Bolly off. Bolly didn't need speed, just a standard paced sprint. 2nd goal! Mox, pretty quick but positioning has cost him his place in the team. Like Johnson, his speed going forward is very useful, but creates its own hazard. Hazard...now there's a player without true speed, but pace aplenty to out-wit most defenders. Peter Taylor was the same. Don't confuse speed with the ability to out-position the opponent and then accelerate. Worth lots more.

David Beckham was certainly not the quickest but had the ability to create a yard of space out wide and deliver telling crosses.

Teddy Sheringham was a carthorse, with the turning circle of a train, but he did alright.

I remember Wayne Andrews was quick.

Useless, but quick.

RED AND BLUE ARMY!

Yannick Bolasie has the pace but the end product...... !