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The art of taking a free-kick has only been perfected by a select few players. The likes of Roberto Carlos, David Beckham and Juninho Pernambucano were renowned for their world-class free-kicks. These days, there has been a special emphasis on dead-ball prowess, as managers seek to get an advantage.
There are a few players who are capable of executing the perfect free-kick. When the ball goes in, it is a different feeling from a field goal. That is especially the case when considering the distance, technique and even the sound of the ball whizzing past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
On that note, here is a look at the five best free-kick takers in the game at the moment:
#5 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes was the best midfielder in the Premier League last season, and he has started this season in incredible fashion too.
The 26-year-old is Manchester United's talisman and most important player after arriving in Manchester from Sporting CP in January 2020 for nearly £57 million. Fernandes displayed his talent and ability almost immediately, providing creativity, goals and leadership from midfield.
Fernandes scored a sumptuous free-kick goal against Everton in a pre-season friendly game. He has been sensational in the Premier League.
In 81 appearances across competitions for United, he has scored 43 goals and provided 25 assists. The technically gifted Fernandes' dead-ball expertise has often come in handy for the Old Trafford outfit.
#4 James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
Arguably the best free-kick taker in the Premier League, James Ward-Prowse thrives in dead-ball situations.
His world-class deliveries from corners, as well as his excellent free-kick-taking prowess have often been key for Southampton. A one-club man, the England international has made 323 appearances in all competitions for Southampton, scoring 33 goals and providing 41 assists.
Ward-Prowse has been linked with moves to Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur recently. The 26-year-old was also in the run to make England's Euro 2020 squad, due to his unique skill-set, but he missed out.
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#3 Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan's transfer business this summer has not been inspiring, and fans are understandably upset after the departures of big names like Achraf Hakimi, Romelu Lukaku and Antonio Conte.
Hakan Calhanoglu was signed quite early in the transfer window. The Turkey international arrives after a four-season spell with AC Milan, where he made 172 appearances in all competitions, scoring 32 goals and providing 49 assists.
The 27-year-old is renowned for scoring from free-kicks.
Calhanoglu has been signed to provide creativity from midfield, as Christian Eriksen continues to recover. The Turkish international has often been criticised for his inconsistency, though.
#2 Dani Parejo (Villarreal)
It was shocking to see Valencia letting star midfielder Dani Parejo leave the club, and join their La Liga rivals Villarreal for a measly fee of £2 million.
Valencia have committed a lot of mistakes in recent years, but this may have been their biggest one. Parejo is one of the most underrated players in the game. He is a creative midfielder well-known for his consistent style of play and ability to dominate the midfield with his technical prowess, including from free-kicks.
For Valencia, the Spain international made 383 appearances in all competitions, scoring 63 goals and providing 64 assists. After making an emotional exit last summer, the 32-year-old played a key role as Unai Emery's Villarreal won the Europa League by beating Manchester United in the final.
#1 Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Arguably the best player to have played the game, Lionel Messi will don the colours of Paris Saint-Germain this season.
Barcelona shocked and surprised everyone when they announced a few days ago that Messi, who won Copa America 2021, would leave the club. That's because Barcelona couldn't offer him a contract extension due to the La Liga's wage cap regulations.
Messi is a world-class dribbler, creator and goalscorer, and has scored some fabulous free-kick goals over the years. The Argentina international joins a star-studded Paris Saint-Germain side, including Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma, among others.
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