Seeing a dead ball rattle through the nets of a goalpost is every football fanatic’s fantasy. The adrenaline rush after seeing the ball curl over the wall is ecstasy.
Without much ado, here is a list of some of the best free-kick takers in the Premier League currently.
1. Juan Mata (Manchester United)
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Juan Mata may not be referred to as the best in the business but statistics don’t lie. The Spaniard boasts of the highest conversion rate (at least 5 free kicks) in Premier League. The magical left foot has sent some balls swirling over the wall in the back of the net.
Best known for his set-piece expertise and penalties, Leighton Baines is no new-comer in this list. The powerful free kicks through his left leg have decided the outcomes of many matches. As a matter of fact, statistics view him more lethal than Cristiano Ronaldo during his Manchester United career.
One of the smartest signings by Tottenham in their Premier League history, Danish international Eriksen has amazing technique & skill which he showcased to perfection in the second leg of the Capital One cup semi-final against Sheffield United. He does not leave opportunities to scare goalkeepers when a dead ball awaits him at his feet.
Sunderland’s Super Swede has been perfecting the art of free-kicks since a long time now. Be it long shots, powerful shots or set pieces, he knows how to go about his business. Larsson has the second highest conversion rate of 12.2% in the Premier League, right after Mata.
After a not-so-happening season at White Hart Lane, Sigurdsson is back to doing what he does best. The prolific midfielder leaves no stone unturned in putting the dead ball into the nets with his powerful right boot.
City’s chief marksman Yaya Toure is an epitome of strength and power. The midfielder has amazing vision and control of the game. Along with that, he is an excellent free-kick taker. He can swirl the ball over the net and put it right at the top corner. There is no denying that the Ivorian is one of the world’s best free-kick takers at this moment in time.
The talented Chilean can curl the ball either side and place it perfectly where he wants to. Single-handed leading Arsenal into victory, the skilled Sanchez has got what it takes. Be it either swirl or power, he combines both perfectly to leave the goalkeeper hanging.
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The ex-Newcastle man Yohan Cabaye had made some headlines before leaving for PSG. With an amazing free-kick technique & with past statistics further proving his merit, he had to be in the list. Reunited with former manager Alan Pardew, we will surely see him score some stunning goals this season.
The Serbian international Kolarov has scored many goals through free-kicks, even though he’s a defender. The left back has a very strong left leg which he uses to perfectly curl in powerful shots from various angles.
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With a prolific last season, Jason Puncheon rightly deserved a place in the top 10. The English professional footballer had scored some breathtaking set pieces. Despite very little chances, he certainly knows how to make the best out of what he gets.