The ten quickest stars in world football.
On Thursday morning West Ham United youth player Matthias Fanimo posted the results of a speed test conducted by the club to show how they compared to the world’s best players in terms of speed.
Measured using a GPS radar the London born youngster clocked up 9.8 metres per second, which is impressive considering who is on the list.
The whole youth team measured up on the scale too, but the best of the best can be found below.
10. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) – 8.4 MPS
The veteran Dutchman still has enough speed in his legs to properly him into the top ten despite his advancing years.
9. Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona) – 8.4 MPS
The Chilean is often terrorising full-backs in Spain, and he will be looking to do the same this summer as he travels to the World Cup.
8. Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich) – 8.5 MPS
One of the reasons Bayern are so deadly is because they have two fast marauders patrolling either flank, and with Ribery slightly faster than Robben it is no wonder why he is so direct.
7. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) – 8.7 MPS
Often made fun of for his weight, the England international is hiding some deceptively quick legs, which are often utilised when United break forward on the counter.
6. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – 9.0 MPS
The best player in the world is by no means the quickest (though he is still incredibly fast), but is still three clicks faster than Rooney.
5. Theo Walcott (Arsenal) – 9.1 MPS
When not injured, it’s no surprise to see the England international clocking up a a rapid speed on the wing in north London.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – 9.3 MPS
Ronaldo in full flight is a breathtaking sight to behold, and the rate at which he controls the ball whilst going at full pelt is nothing short of terrifying.
3. Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur) – 9.4 MPS
The Spurs ace has been one of the quickest players in the Premier League for a number of years now, but like Walcott, fans rarely get to see just how fast he is because of persistent injuries.
2. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) – 9.6 MPS
Bale has shown recently that not only is he electrifyingly quick, but devastatingly strong with it as he outmuscles and outpaces opponents for both club and country.
1. Antonio Valencia (Manchester United) – 9.8 MPS
A surprising entry at number one is United’s Ecuadorian wide man, who’s true pace has been often overshadowed by his poor form for the club this season.