Football slang: "bags of pace"

[Referee]

In football slang, what does it mean:

"Theo has bags of pace and he's willing to take on anyone"

Referee

[Alan]

Hi Referee,

This doesn't only refer to football. It's an expression meaning a lot of/a great deal of. If you are very sure of yourself and are never frightened to express your opinion, you would be described as having bags of confidence.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Yankee]

Hi Alan

Could you help me out, too?
I don't know much about football (or "soccer" ;)). What does "pace" mean here? Would it be similar to "endurance"?

Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Alan]

Hi Amy,

My younger son would laugh his head off at me being asked a question about football! but as it's a language question, I'll try. As I understand it, it means quickness of movement/foot. It's the speed with which a footballer responds to what's happening around him and the enthusiasm/alacrity with which he keeps the standard up.

Yours (dreading the world cup),

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

[Yankee]

Bags and bags of thanks, Alan! :D

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln