Speed has been an essential attribute for the players in FIFA ever since the concept was added to the game. Your faster players can easily outrun the slow opposition and thereby you get a substantial advantage over your opponent.
When your players are quick, you can automatically play better – it’s as simple as that.
Among the fastest players of this generation are Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott. But are they the fastest in the history of the game or have there been players with higher pace ratings? Keep in mind though, the ratings were blown up exorbitantly by EA Sports back in the days
Here we take a look at the five of the fastest players in the history of the game.
Also Read: EA Sports FIFA 17: Fastest XI
#1 Thierry Henry (Pace 98, Acceleration 98)
In FIFA 05, Thierry Henry was the highest rated player with an overall rating of 97. This instalment of the game itself had 60 players with overall ratings above 90 and that Henry got the top honours was no surprise.
The Frenchman, who has won many accolades throughout his career, had just endured his best possible season. Back in 2003-04, Arsenal had been unbeaten in the league, a feat that has still not been matched, and Henry had finished as the top scorer.
He was always known for his blistering pace and ball control. Dancing past flying tackles from the defenders was second nature to him. Henry was deservedly awarded a pace rating of 98 along with acceleration at 98 – the highest in the history of the game.
#2 Ronaldo Nazario (Pace 98, Acceleration 98)
With an overall rating of 94, Brazil’s super-striker Ronaldo was one of the highest rated players in FIFA 06. Like the previous instalment, this game had a lot of players in the above-90 bracket and Ronaldo was one of the first names in this bracket.
The only thing that stopped El Fenemeno from being considered as one of the greatest of all times was the injuries. Nevertheless, he still is the most complete forward the world has ever seen. Although his side did not win any major trophy in the 2004-05 season, the Brazilian had a good season personally.
He was fast, had a trick or two up his sleeve and could find the back of the net with ease. It was an easy decision to give him a pace and acceleration of 98 each.
#3 Roy Makaay (Pace 97, Acceleration 97)
Former Dutch striker Roy Makaay was an imposing figure in Bayern Munich’s forward line. After a brilliant debut season in the Bundesliga in which he scored 23 goals, Makaay was rightly rated as one of the top players in FIFA 05.
Following his successful stint at Deportivo La Coruna, Bayern spent €18.75 million to acquire his services. The forward was quick, two-footed and dominating in the air – a formidable proposition for the world’s best defenders and Bayern knew they had spent money on the right player.
The game developers were true impressed by his goal-scoring in the German league and awarded him identical ratings for pace and acceleration – both standing at a high 97. Surely, we can guess, Das Phantom was more than happy to see such high ratings.
Also Read: FIFA 17: Five fastest players post the winter update
#4 Mathis Bolly (Sprint Speed 97, Acceleration 97)
Over the last few years, Mathis Bolly has dominated the list of fastest players in FIFA rankings. And why not? Apparently, he can run faster than Usain Bolt (he ran 40 metres in 4.53 seconds, twelve-hundredths of a second quicker what Bolt took to complete 40m during his 100m world record)!
You may or may not have heard of him depending on how much you play FIFA. As a player, he isn’t much, though. Apart from his speed, Bolly is not exactly in the top bracket. The winger plays for German side Fortuna Dusseldorf which plays in Bundesliga 2.
He has been one of the fastest rated players in FIFA in recent memory. However, in FIFA 15, he earned a rating of 97 in both speed and acceleration thus making him one of the fastest in the history of the game.
#5 Michael Owen (Pace 97, Acceleration 96)
England and Liverpool’s darling Michael Owen shot out to the limelight at a very young age. One of the most lethal strikers of his generation, his career again was cut short by recurring injury problems. In FIFA 06, Owen just failed to breach the 90-mark as he earned an overall rating of 89.
The striker, who had just joined Real Madrid from Liverpool, had to play second fiddle to a brilliant Ronaldo. Still, he managed to score 13 league goals in that season. The Madrid team itself comprised of very fast players but Owen was one of the fastest in the squad.
In the game as well, this attribute of his is reflected. With 97 pace and 96 acceleration, Owen could run past the opposition in the game (and in real-life) without breaking a sweat.
