7 players who are blessed with both pace and power

Pace and power are essential attributes in modern football, and most players get by well enough with either one. A select few, however, are blessed with both. The combination of strength, speed and stamina can be quite deadly, especially when a bit of skill is added to the mix.Players possessing all of these qualities stand tall above the rest and are huge assets to their team. They can blow past defenders, power their way through trouble and work their socks off throughout the 90.We look at 7 players who are blessed with both attributes.

#1 Alexis Sanchez

The Chilean-born Arsenal forward is known for his creativity, graft and eye for goal. He works hard for his team, but is also blessed with lots of pace. Able to play with either foot, Alexis Sanchez could play anywhere across the front three and can contribute when in a midfield position as well.

Since joining the Gunners from Barcelona last season, his impact has been huge. And despite the team’s healthy position on the Premier League table, they are surely missing him, as he has been out with a hamstring injury since the end of November.

Sanchez brings pure athleticism, speed and agility to the squad, and also has the ability to dribble past defenders. He has always been hard to contain, proving a proper nuisance to defenders when out on the pitch. And on his best day, he is near unstoppable.

#2 Romelu Lukaku

The big Belgian forward is scoring goals for fun at the moment. Now the main attacking threat in the Everton set up, Romelu Lukaku is making quite the name for himself.

Lukaku is everything a manager would want in a striker. He is quick, strong and industrious, towering above most opposition. He is also very good in the air, posing a huge threat from set pieces.

Blessed with great acceleration, Lukaku could also bully defenders when necessary. He has already scored 19 goals for the Toffees in all competitions this season, and leads the race for the Premier League’s Golden Boot, tied at 15 goals with Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy.

This youngster is an absolute beast and, at just 22, the sky really is the limit for the player who was never given a proper opportunity at former club Chelsea.

#3 Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney can just about do it all. Primarily a striker, he can also play as a supporting forward, winger, attacking midfielder or box-to-box midfielder. The technically gifted Rooney is a superb finisher who combines pace and power, bringing lots of energy to every game. He is a phenomenal athlete, a hard worker and a beast of a player.

Despite his thickset frame, Rooney is incredibly quick and has the ability to leave most defenders in his wake. He also boasts great driving power which enables him to bulldoze his way through the opposition.

Rooney is now England’s all-time leading scorer with 51 international goals, having broken the record previously held by Sir Bobby Charlton back in September of 2015. He is also the Premier League’s second highest ever scorer with 190 goals, behind Alan Shearer, who scored 260.

It would be quite fair to say that the Manchester United man owes a great fraction of all those goals to his pace and power.

#4 Gareth Bale

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is one of the fastest players in world football. His ability on the ball is amazing and he has a great left foot, but he is also as strong and fit as they come.

The Welshman initially started out as a left-back at Southampton. However, after a transfer to Tottenham, his constant forays forward saw him move to an attacking position on the left wing.

He has since developed into an extremely dangerous winger and can get past opposing players using just his quickness. But when his strength comes into play, Bale is well-nigh unplayable.

The 27-year-old has been a great asset since moving to Madrid, certainly justifying his £86m price tag. He is a hard worker who scores goals, makes assists and is always composed in possession.

Apart from being blessed with both pace and power, the winger has loads of technical ability. And with years still ahead of him, there’s no telling how much better he could become.

#5 Inaki Williams

Athletic Bilbao attacking midfielder Inaki Williams is probably the least popular player in this list. However, he could become the next big thing in Spain; and soon.

The 21-year-old is reportedly attracting attention from top Premier League clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal. But Bilbao are keen to hold on to their man and are currently trying to increase his €20m release clause.

Williams, who can also play as a centre-forward, provides a potent threat up front with his blistering pace and eye for goal. He is a creative and intelligent passer, a hard worker and a tireless runner who can call upon his strength when the need arises.

His excellent movement makes him an absolute menace to defenders, and he does look like he has what it takes to survive in England if he were to ever make the move.

#6 Hulk

This Brazilian forward is the epitome of powerful. Nicknamed ‘Hulk’ for his extremely strong build and likeness to actor Lou Ferigno who played The Incredible Hulk back in the 70’s, the Zenit Saint Petersburg man – whose actual name is Givanildo Vieira de Sousa – knows his way around the box. Don’t let his bulky frame fool you, though.

Hulk is lightning quick and can run with the best of them. There is also a bit of flair to his game; he is Brazilian after all. He boasts good movement, dribbling and great finishing, as well as dead ball ability with both free kicks and penalties.

Hulk, who could also play as a winger, repels defenders with ease, and is able to force his way through any sort of trouble. At 29, he is still a great asset, and could go on for a good few years before Bruce Banner takes over.

#7 Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo makes football look easy, but it is all really down to hard work. A little over 30 years old, the Portuguese is still at the peak of his powers, only bested by the thorn in his side that is Lionel Messi.

The Real Madrid man is undoubtedly the best athlete in football, and devotes a lot of time to staying in top shape. A versatile attacker who is blessed with pace, stamina and technical ability, Ronaldo puts a huge amount of effort into every game.

He is great in one-on-one situations, well able to take defenders, blowing past them rather quickly. Despite his slim build, Ronaldo is a beast on the field and can muscle his way out of any situation.

The Portuguese forward may be one of the vainest players in the game today, but there is no denying that when it comes to pace, power and hard work, Ronaldo has no equal.