According to Opta, Olivier Giroud is the fifth slowest outfield player in the Premier League, while Cesc Fabregas is third.

Our big striker often appears to be wading through treacle. Fortunately, his hold-up play, strength and height often make up for this. Therefore, it’s not really a surprise that he’s on the ‘slowest player’ list that the Mirror compiled.

Apparently, he runs 29.19km/h. To put this into perspective (sort of) this is around the same speed as a hippopotamus.

However, somewhat amusingly, Cesc Fabregas is even slower! Despite being around 17cms shorter than our big Frenchman up front and, therefore, having a lower centre of gravity, the Spaniard only runs at 28.73km/h, which still puts him close to hippo-speed but also sets him in the direction of a snake’s…

Funny.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Dominic Samuel of Reading (L) tackles Olivier Giroud of Arsenal (R) during the EFL Cup fourth round match between Arsenal and Reading at Emirates Stadium on October 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Dominic Samuel of Reading (L) tackles Olivier Giroud of Arsenal (R) during the EFL Cup fourth round match between Arsenal and Reading at Emirates Stadium on October 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

In all seriousness, unless they’re wingers, speed doesn’t really factor into things too much. As previously mentioned, although Giroud’s lack of pace can be frustrating, he knows this and works to his advantages.