Set pieces are a crucial aspect of modern soccer, often making the difference in tight matches. The ability to deliver precise crosses, powerful shots, or deceptive passes from dead-ball situations can turn the tide of a game. This document highlights some of the best set piece takers in the world, categorized by their primary set piece strengths.
Free Kick SpecialistsFree kicks require a unique blend of power, accuracy, and technique. Players who excel in this area can bend the ball around walls, dip it under the crossbar, or strike it with incredible force.
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF): Renowned for his exquisite left foot, Messi consistently delivers free kicks with pinpoint accuracy, often finding the top corner. His ability to generate dip and swerve is unparalleled.
- James Ward-Prowse (West Ham United): Often hailed as one of the best free-kick takers of his generation, Ward-Prowse possesses exceptional technique. His strikes are known for their consistent flight and ability to bypass defensive walls.
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan): The Turkish midfielder is a master of the dead ball, capable of hitting powerful and accurate free kicks from various distances. His strikes often have a vicious swerve, making them difficult for goalkeepers to handle.
Corner kicks offer excellent opportunities to create goal-scoring chances. Players who can deliver dangerous crosses with pace and precision are invaluable to their teams.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): De Bruyne's ability to whip in inswinging and outswinging corners with accuracy is a key asset for Manchester City. His deliveries often land perfectly for his teammates to attack.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool FC): Known for his incredible passing range, Alexander-Arnold consistently delivers dangerous corners, often finding the heads of his towering teammates or creating chaos in the box.
- Toni Kroos (Real Madrid CF): While known more for his overall passing, Kroos's corner kicks are consistently accurate and well-weighted, providing excellent service for Real Madrid's attackers.
Penalty kicks are moments of immense pressure, requiring nerves of steel and impeccable technique. These players demonstrate exceptional composure and accuracy from the spot.
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): Kane is widely regarded as one of the most reliable penalty takers in soccer. His calm approach and consistent placement make him incredibly difficult to save against.
- Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona): The Polish striker boasts a remarkable penalty conversion rate. His powerful and precise strikes often leave goalkeepers with no chance.
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): Fernandes employs a distinctive hopping technique before striking the ball, often sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. His penalties are powerful and well-placed.
While not always considered a traditional "set piece," long throw-ins can be as effective as corners in creating goal-scoring opportunities.
- Rory Delap (Retired): Though retired, Delap set the standard for long throw-ins. His ability to hurl the ball into the penalty area with incredible force and accuracy created numerous chances for his teams.
- Andy Robertson (Liverpool FC): While not as prodigious as Delap, Robertson possesses a strong and accurate throw-in, capable of launching the ball into dangerous areas.
The art of the set piece remains a vital component of soccer. The players highlighted above showcase the diverse range of skills and techniques required to excel in these crucial moments. Their contributions often prove decisive in the outcome of matches, cementing their status as some of the best set piece takers in the sport.