The Premier League has had its fair share of quick players, with former Arsenal hero and England star Theo Walcott easily going down in the record books as one of the fastest to grace stadiums in the last 30 years. However, the former Southampton and Everton wide man believes there are two footballers who were actually quicker than he was.
Walcott's top-flight career spanned almost 17 years, racking up 65 goals for Arsenal and 15 elsewhere as he became a household name and a staple in league history.
But, most noted for his pace, the Stanmore-born star believed that a former Liverpool stalwart and one current league speedster were faster than he was in his prime.
Theo Walcott Claims Michael Owen Was Actually Quicker Than Him
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Having rated Micah Richards, Arjen Robben, Aaron Lennon and Hector Bellerin as slower than him, a photo of Michael Owen flashed up on the screen.
And the former England international was gracious to admit that Liverpool and Three Lions icon Owen would have outpaced him at his peak. Walcott said to GIVEMESPORT:
"Oh my god. He was so quick, wasn't he? I might have to go with Michael Owen, you know.
"I loved watching him as a player as well, because I was a fan. He was incredibly quick, and no one has ever said that in terms of me against him, before.
"There was only one player I was waiting for, but yeah, I'll go Michael Owen."
Of all of the names in world football that Walcott could have voted quicker than him, not many will have hedged their bets on Michael Owen - but the former Liverpool talent was electric during his earlier years in the English game.
Theo Walcott Believes a Current Premier League Star is Quicker Than Him
Arsenal's Theo Walcott celebrates scoring their first goal
Arsenal's Theo Walcott celebrates scoring their first goal
Thierry Henry flashed up next on the video, but it wasn't long before Walcott's immediate first-choice came onto the screen in current West Ham and Premier League winger, Adama Traore.
The Spanish international has been regarded as the Premier League's 'speed king' throughout the late 2010s and 2020s, with his muscular frame, rapid speed and close dribbling scaring defenders to death from minute one.
And Walcott admitted that he thought Traore would come up and beat him in the rankings, labelling the Barcelona academy graduate as an 'absolute machine'. Walcott said:
"That's the one that always beats everyone. Honestly, the guy is an absolute machine. He's the quickest thing I've ever seen.
"Michael was exceptionally quick over ten, twenty metres, but Traore can carry the ball at pace as well and that's difficult to do."
Walcott did have his moments as a quick player. Perhaps his most famous moment came earlier in his career, in a Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool in 2008, where he carried the ball the length of the pitch for Emmanuel Adebayor to turn home, beating five players in the process.
His turn of pace was a huge asset for Arsene Wenger, as Walcott won two FA Cup trophies during his time at the Emirates Stadium, as well as making 47 appearances for England.