Best Free Kick Takers In The Premier League This Season

Free kicks are something of an art in the Premier League. A good set-piece taker adds a different dimension to a team’s approach – but who are the best at them?

We’ve seen some wonderful free kick takers in the Premier League over the years – players such as David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Juninho were all brilliant from dead-ball scenarios.

While we’ll be looking at the amount of free kicks scored directly, we will also be taking a player’s ability to whip set-pieces into the box, too.

In this list, we’ll be featuring players from clubs such as Brentford, Southampton, Leicester City and of course, Liverpool. Can you guess who they are?

Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney may have been in the headlines for reasons off the pitch this week – but nevertheless, he warrants a spot on this list for his set-piece ability.

So far this season, Toney has scored two goals from direct free kicks. He is one of only three players to have scored directly from a dead ball scenario in the Premier League in the current campaign.

However, he only makes the bottom spot on our list, as he isn’t particularly suitable for whipping free kicks into the box – this is a job usually assigned to one of his teammates.

Trent-Alexander Arnold

Some may be surprised to see Trent Alexander-Arnold only taking the number three spot on this list. While his set-pieces are undoubtedly sensational, we feel there are two who are slightly better.

This season, Alexander-Arnold has scored a solitary goal directly from a free kick this season. Of course, this doesn’t tell the whole story – his crossing and delivery are top notch.

Additionally, we must give a special mention to his ability from corners. In 2019, he played a famous corner into Divock Origi, which gave the Reds a stunning comeback win over Barcelona in the Champions League.

James Maddison

James Maddison may play for a team on the brink of relegation, but it isn’t for lack of trying – the former Coventry City man has been outstanding for Leicester this season.

He has scored two goals directly from free kicks in the current campaign. On top of this Maddison has also picked up nine assists, with several of them coming through set plays.

Maddison will likely leave Leicester in the summer – for any team who needs a solid set-piece taker, they could do far worse than the Foxes’ top goal scorer.

James Ward-Prowse

The top spot on this list is practically a given. James Ward-Prowse isn’t just the best free kick taker in the Premier League at this current moment – he’s arguably the best free kick taker of all time.

Ward-Prowse’s technique is simply unrivalled. The way he curls the ball in midair is sublime – when he’s on the pitch, free kicks may as well be penalties.

He looks set to leave Southampton in the summer, with several clubs interested – whoever snaps him up will have a real gem on their hands.