I thought since it's even faster just to tap someone's name, add them as a favorite, start typing their name in the search bar, or call them via voice command, speed dial has been unnecessary for years.
You can also set certain contacts as favorites for one-click calling, or put a direct link on your home screen that calls them in one tap.
I imagine a third party app will let you long-press number keys for speed dial if the stock app doesn't.
Can't you find the direct dial in the widgets? Try something like this. Long press on your home screen, select widgets - contacts - tap & hold on direct dial and drag it to your homescreen - select contact.