Arsenal legend Sol Campbell already has a difficult relationship with Tottenham Hotspur fans, and that could get worse now.
The Gunners take on Spurs in the North London Derby on Sunday, and the legendary Englishman has been previewing the game.
Campbell feels Cristhian Mosquera will start in place of the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, but his comments about a Tottenham defender – Micky van de Ven – are what’s making all the noise.
Arsenal legend Sol Campbell risks annoying Tottenham fans with his claim on Micky van de Ven
Van de Ven is the fastest player in the Premier League.
The Tottenham star possesses a lot of attributes that make him a great defender, but the best one is his blistering pace.
The Dutchman recorded a top speed of 37.38 kmph (23.22mph) at Spurs, which made him the fastest player in Premier League history since records began.
That is very impressive, but Campbell, who played for both Tottenham and Arsenal, believes he was just as fast, if not faster.
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When asked on talkSPORT if he can remember a defender who was as fast as Van de Ven, he said: “Yeah, Sol Campbell!
“I think you guys have to remember how quick I was. We didn’t have all the technology around, but I was rapid. You could look all the stats around, rapid!
“Also, I could move at the same time, not just in a straight line. You have to be able to change direction as a top centre-half. “
Van de Ven is a fan favourite at Tottenham; they love him there.
So, Campbell’s comments will not go down well among Spurs fans, especially considering that it has come just days before the North London Derby.
What is your prediction for the North London Derby?
Sol Campbell’s fastest recorded speed is mind-blowing
Campbell was a very quick defender, and that attribute is among the reasons why he was regarded as one of the best centre-backs of his generation.
The Arsenal legend’s fastest speed in his career is unavailable because of the lack of data at the time, but some information did come out in 2009.
Based on the data collected from the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons, it was revealed that Campbell recorded a top speed of 36.21 kmph (22.5 mph).
That is extremely impressive on its own, but what makes it even better is that Campbell was 34 years of age when this data was recorded.
The Englishman posted the above image on his Instagram and suggested that he might even have been as quick as Usain Bolt when he was 23.
We don’t know if he was that fast, but perhaps he would’ve given Van de Ven a real run for his money.