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What's the story?
In a shocking development, Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has not been featured in the FIFA 18 list of the top 20 fastest players. This has come as a surprise to many as he had topped the list just two seasons ago in FIFA 16.
The 28-year-old is currently 80-rated and is well-known for his pace and agility. He has failed to make the cut in the list of speedsters in the latest version of the game.
In case you didn't know
In the current list, Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is credited as the fastest player on the pitch, with a mammoth 96 pace rating. Sparta Prague's Jonathan Biabiany is second while Walcott's teammate Hector Bellerin occupies the third spot.
As you scroll through the list, you can come across names like Gareth Bale, Sadio Mane, Jordi Alba, Raheem Sterling and others, but Walcott's name is strangely absent.
The heart of the matter
Walcott has a pace of 91 and that just about plants him among the top 50 players. EA Sports clearly believe that the Englishman has lost a bit of speed and hence rated him fairly low.
Back in FIFA 16, his speed was rated at 96, a year later it dropped to 93 and now it slips even further to 91.
His other stats don't paint too rosy a picture either. He has been given 77 shooting, 73 passing and 80 dribbling, with his overall standing at 81.
What's next?
Walcott may be speedy in real life, but his video game avatar has slowed down significantly. Now, he will be raring to go for Arsenal's upcoming match against Doncaster in the League Cup on Thursday, 21st September. Will he get a chance to improve his speed stats? Absolutely. Will he actually take the opportunity? You can bet on it he will.
Author's take
As mentioned before, Walcott does have the legs under him to fly past his opponents. We can be sure that he will take every chance that he gets to prove to EA Sports that his speed can improve. Meanwhile, FIFA 18 is set to hit the shelves in less than 9 days. Will you be queueing up to buy it?
