Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United players are amongst the fastest football players in the game according to a recent report published by FIFA.
These are the top speeds that footballers have reached this season according to a report by FIFA published by Spanish publication El Mundo Deportivo.
10. Alexis Sanchez (FC Barcelona)
30.1 km/h (18.7 mph)
Although FC Barcelona are known for passing opponents to death through their tiki-taka style, the pace of Alexis Sanchez gives them a great option both on the break and running in behind the defence.
9. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
30.4 km/h (18.9 mph)
Arjen Robben has tormented defences all over Europe over the last decade, having pinned opposition back lines deep in their own half thanks to his clever dribbling at speed.
8. Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)
30.7 km/h (19.1 mph)
Franck Ribery has seemed to improve season upon season throughout his career, with the last campaign his very best in club football to date – culminating in Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League and DfB-Pokal titles, as well as third place in the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or.
Though Ribery is now 31 years of age, he remains exceptionally quick across the ground.
7. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
31.2 km/h (19.4 mph)
Wayne Rooney does not possess the build of the typical sprinter, but is deceptively speedy, with good acceleration.
Rooney may no longer be the spring heeled player of his youth, but still demonstrates quickness of both feet and mind.
6. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
32.5 km/h (20.2 mph)
There can be few scarier sight for defenders than Lionel Messi running at them, for the Argentine attacker possesses both incredible speed and near unrivalled ball control.
Apparently when running at full tilt his left heel rarely touches the ground – at least if you believe the fanatical makers of this video:
Now back to full fitness, Messi has scored 10 goals in his last five La Liga matches.
5. Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
32.7 km/h (20.3 mph)
Theo Walcott gives Arsenal another dimension, forcing defences deeper with his pace and creating space for the club’s attacking midfielders to be more effective in.
The England international’s injury in January’s FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur appears to have curtailed the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
33.6 km/h (20.9 mph)
Cristiano Ronaldo is devastating with the ball at his feet, with lightning quick strides and stepovers upon reaching opponents.
So effective has he been over the last few years that his teams – both clubs and country – are built around making the most of his skill on the left flank.
3. Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)
33.8 km/h (21.0 mph)
Aaron Lennon might flail his arms wildly when he sprints, but the Spurs winger shows that velocity can be found despite conventional running technique being cast aside so long as one has good foot speed.
2. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
34.7 km/h (21.6 mph)
Gareth Bale’s solo goal against Rayo Vallecano in March illustrated the difficulties a player of his pace gives defenders – they just can’t stay with him.
1. Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
35.1 km/h (21.8 mph)
Antonio Valencia makes constant forays forward down the right wing, with great pace before crossing the ball to the centre.
He might not always show brilliant end product, but Valencia certainly shows good foot speed.
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