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Free-kicks are supposedly the toughest skill to master in football. Players like David Beckham, Michel Platini, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronald Koeman, Roberto Carlos, Alessandro del Piero, and Cristiano Ronaldo are some of the greatest free-kick takers of all time. When it comes to the current crop of players, there are quite a few who mastered the art of taking free-kicks.
For this analysis, data from STATS.com since the start of the 2013-14 season is used. This list ranks player from Europe's top five leagues with a minimum of 20 free-kick attempts.
Honourable Mention: Though Lionel Messi has scored 3 free-kicks in 3 consecutive La Liga games during the months of February and March 2018, he is not included here, because, his conversation rate is much less compared to others on this list.
On that note, let’s take a look at the most prolific free-kick takers in European football who has the best conversion rate.
#5 James Rodriguez, Bayern Munich
Attempts: 36, Goals: 6, Conversion rate: 16.67%
The Columbian arrived on the big stage during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot. Though the 26-year-old struggled for form after his move to Real Madrid, his set-piece abilities remained intact. He is currently enjoying a superb run of form in Bayern colours.
He scored a stunning free-kick (inches from the penalty area) against Bayern Leverkusen in January 2018 which was voted the Bundesliga goal of the month for January. The amount of bend and pace he generated from that close to the goal was simply phenomenal.
Since the beginning of 2013/14 campaign, the Columbian international has scored 6 goals with his gifted left-foot from direct free-kicks in 36 attempts, which equates to an excellent conversion rate of 16.67%.
#4 Marcos Alonso, Chelsea
Attempts: 22, Goals: 4, Conversion rate: 18.18%
Since arriving at the Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2016, Marcos Alonso has developed a reputation as one of the deadliest free-kick takers in European football. The Spain international is a regular set-piece taker for the Antonio Conte’s side and has scored some stunning goals with his magical left-foot.
The Chelsea left-back/wing-back has scored 4 goals from direct free-kicks in 22 attempts, which comes down to a stunning conversion rate of 18.18%.
The double he scored against Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the 2017/18 season was simply an outstanding effort. He hoodwinked one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, Hugo Lloris, twice in a game.
#3 Philippe Coutinho, Barcelona
Attempts: 26, Goals: 5, Conversion rate: 19.23%
Philippe Coutinho is one of the best free-kick takers in world football at the moment. The Brazilian international has excelled for Liverpool and finished only behind Steven Gerrard and Harry Redknapp in the all-time list of Liverpool’s free-kick goalscorers.
The 25-year-old has scored 5 goals from direct free-kicks in 26 attempts, which equates to a superb conversion rate of 19.23%. His brilliant free-kick past Kasper Schmeichel during Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Leicester early in the season was simply out of the world.
Throughout his career, the Brazilian has excelled in dead ball situations. His superb form for Liverpool earned him a move to the Catalan giants.
#2 Paulo Dybala, Juventus
Attempts: 38, Goals: 8, Conversion rate: 21.05%
Can you score a free kick goal from 20 yards out when you have 20 men lined up on the wall? Paulo Dybala certainly can. The Argentine international scored a wonder free kick in a charity game with 20 men on the wall.
Unlike many free kick experts, Paulo Dybala relies a lot on pace and power. His technique is good and he possesses a wonderful left-foot. The Juventus star has scored 8 goals from direct free-kicks in 38 attempts, which equates to a phenomenal conversion rate of 21.05%.
He scores a free kick goal in his every fifth attempt, making him one of the best in the world. He is only 24 and has the time on his side to become one of the best free-kick takers of all time.
#1 Juan Mata, Manchester United
Attempts: 22, Goals: 5, Conversion rate: 22.73%
A surprise no.1 candidate. Juan Mata has the best free kick conversion rate in Europe over the last five seasons. The Spaniard is typically old fashioned when it comes to taking his free kicks. He relies a lot on bend and precision, rather than pace and power.
The ex-Chelsea star has scored 5 goals from direct free-kicks in 22 attempts, which equates to a superb conversion rate of 22.73%. He is ruthless in dead ball situations and has shown consistency over the years.
Ever since his Manchester United move in 2014, the Spanish international has scored stunning free-kicks against the likes of Newcastle United, Southampton, Watford, Leicester City, and Shrewsbury.
