SOCCEROO speedstar Mathew Leckie is officially the fastest player in the German Bundesliga.

Opta clocked Melbourne-born Leckie doing a record 35,18kph racing down Ingolstadt’s Audi Sportspark a fortnight ago in the 3-3 draw with Stuttgart, where he also scored.

While it’s short of Usain Bolt’s top speed of 44.64kph clocked in 2008, Leckie could undoubtedly go faster if he ditched the bots and shinpads for spikes.

“I remember the exact situation, I was far back inside our half and one of our players won the ball and was alone with three defenders on the left. I came from the right and tried to sprint all the way into the box to support him,’’ Leckie said.

“You never know how fast you’re running but it’s nice to know I’m the fastest in Germany because there’s a few speedstars in the league – most are with Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund.

“Some guys are fast off the first few metres, (Pierre Emerick) Aubameyang is quick over a long distance, (Arjen) Robben is quick, Douglas Costa at Bayern is fast.

“Speed is one of my strengths if I can get in behind defenders and it can be dangerous.’’

Leckie, who’s in Sydney preparing for the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier against Jordan on Tuesday, revealed why Lionel Messi couldn’t get a run for Ingolstadt.

Currently 10th, the underdogs have defied most predictions of relegation in their maiden Bundesliga campaign.

“Everyone runs all day and gives everything, there’s no superstars. Messi is world class but he can stand up the pitch and wait til he gets the ball and do his thing. In our team that’s not possible,’’ he said.

“The work ethic from the guys is key. We knew it was going to be tough, we started pretty well but were unorganised a bit and some guys maybe were lacking confidence to play the pressing game we do against good opposition.

“That’s gone now and we did it well against Bayern and could’ve scored a few against them, so confidence is high.

“The club’s objective at start of the season was to stay in league and we’re in a good position, but we should have even more points.’’

DAVID DAVUTOVIC