Jack Grealish, the talented Manchester City winger, has been tasked with creating his ideal footballer by selecting the best attributes from a range of players. This fun exercise, reminiscent of a Frankenstein-style creation, led Grealish to choose some of the most iconic figures in football for their unique strengths. Naturally, for his dribbling skills, Grealish selected Brazilian superstar Neymar, known for his dazzling ball control and flair. When it came to passing, Grealish picked the legendary David Beckham, whose pinpoint accuracy and vision have made him a household name in world football.
However, when the topic of pace came up, Grealish found himself facing a tough decision. Over the years, football has seen an abundance of lightning-fast wingers, making it difficult to pick just one. Speed has always been a prized asset in the game, and the list of contenders for the fastest player includes some of the most exciting names in football. Theo Walcott, for example, was once hailed as one of the quickest players on the planet, while Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli is a current speed demon with blistering pace. But when it came down to selecting the ultimate winger for pace, Grealish ultimately chose former Tottenham Hotspur star Gareth Bale.
Grealish spoke highly of Bale’s incredible speed during an interview, emphasizing the Welshman’s remarkable ability to outrun defenders. Despite mentioning other worthy contenders, including Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé, Grealish still opted for Bale as his pick for the fastest player. “Build the perfect winger? Pace?” Grealish was asked. “Bale, no? There are a few though, Vinícius is so sharp, and Mbappé, but Mbappé is more of a striker now, so I’ll go for Bale,” he responded, highlighting how even in a world full of quick players, Bale stood out.
Grealish’s decision to choose Bale as his ideal speedster is rooted in the sheer pace the Welshman displayed at the peak of his career. Bale was not only known for his blistering speed, but his height and long stride also made him a formidable force on the field. His ability to cover ground quickly was one of the key features that made him so dangerous in one-on-one situations and on counter-attacks.
Indeed, Bale’s pace was a defining characteristic throughout his career, and statistics back up his reputation as one of the fastest players to ever play the game. According to The Speeds Database, which tracks the top speeds of football players, Bale ranks as one of the fastest footballers ever. The only player who has been recorded as faster than Bale on The Speeds Database is Tottenham’s current star, Micky van de Ven, who is renowned for his lightning pace. Tottenham Hotspur, it seems, has a rich history of producing players with exceptional speed, from the likes of Aaron Lennon to Heung-Min Son, and Bale was certainly one of the standout examples.
Gareth Bale’s raw speed, combined with his technical skills, made him a joy to watch, particularly during his time at Tottenham and later at Real Madrid. His incredible bursts of acceleration, especially when charging down the wing, terrorized defenders and led to numerous memorable moments on the field. From his blistering runs to his devastating finishing, Bale’s pace was a key element of his game, allowing him to leave defenders in his wake.
Grealish’s decision to build his perfect winger around Bale’s pace is a testament to the legacy that the Welshman built during his prime. His unmatched speed, combined with his other attributes, makes him one of the most formidable wingers of his generation. Whether it was for Tottenham or Real Madrid, Bale’s explosive pace will forever be remembered as one of the most electrifying features of his career.
