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The Premier League is arguably the best league in the world due to its unrivaled competitiveness and unpredictability. The glamor and hype surrounding the league is ever increasing with the increase in global viewership and money. Footballers across the globe are attracted to the idea of playing in the Premier League.
In the current campaign, Chelsea are at the top of the table with 22 points after nine games. They are closely followed by Liverpool and Manchester City, who are on 21 and 20 points respectively. These are the standings before Gameweek 10.
Set-pieces are a crucial part of the game. Through set-pieces, teams get their chances to score a goal or to create a goalscoring opportunity. Currently, set-piece routines are a priority for each and every team as free-kicks and corners remain excellent offensive weapons.
Over the years, many great footballers have graced the English top flight with their presence. It goes without saying that there have been some renowned set-piece takers among them. David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Matt Le Tissier and Gianfranco Zola are some of the most famous set-piece takes in Premier League history.
On that note, let us take a look at
5 best set-piece takers in the Premier League right now
#5 Marcos Alonso - Chelsea
Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso is known for producing moments of magic from set-pieces with his left foot. The 30-year-old has been pivotal for the Blues under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel despite competition from Ben Chilwell.
Alonso possesses incredible technique when it comes to set-pieces, especially in free-kicks. The Spaniard is effective from both indirect and direct free-kicks as he can put up sensational crosses or hit the ball sweetly to score a goal.
For his exploits, Alonso is one of Chelsea's best options during set-pieces. His incredible free-kick against Crystal Palace in the 2021-22 Premier League season opener remains fresh in the memory of fans.
#4 James Maddison - Leicester City
One of the main creative outlets for Leicester City, James Maddison has slowly risen to prominence as a set-piece specialist. Due to his superior technique, the attacking-midfielder strikes the ball sweetly and causes trouble for opponent defenders.
Maddison can bend the ball either way with his right foot, which makes him a dangerous option at set-pieces. The 24-year-old has proven himself to be the primary set-piece taker for Leicester City. Being a regular name on the team sheet, his tally will only increase in the coming years.
Maddison is currently enduring a slump in form in the current campaign and has managed only one goal and one assist in all competitions.
#3 Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best in the business. In addition to his solid defensive prowess, Alexander-Arnold is proficient in his offensive approach. He is one of the main creative outlets for Liverpool with his continuous marauding runs and superb crosses from the right flank.
Alexander-Arnold is also one of the best set-piece takers in the Premier League. From corners and free-kicks, the 23-year-old can churn out venomous, swinging balls to his teammates, which is difficult to defend.
One of the most famous moments of his career came in the UEFA Champions League in the 2019 semi-final. He took an early corner which shocked Barcelona's defense and helped Liverpool score a goal through Divock Origi. This goal took Liverpool to the final which they eventually won.
Alexander-Arnold is also efficient when it comes to direct free-kicks, finding the net more often than not. For his style and exploits from set-pieces, he is often compared to the legendary David Beckham.
#2 Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United
Since his arrival at Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes has proved himself to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. The Portuguese midfielder has a knack for running into space and causing problems for opponents. His efficiency in the final third has been a major boost for United over the last few seasons.
Bruno is a major option for set-pieces due to his technical proficiency. The 27-year-old's in-swinging crosses often finds his teammates, resulting in goalscoring opportunities. He remains extremely composed while taking penalties - a major chunk of his 18 Premier League goals last campaign being penalties.
Bruno has been the designated set-piece taker for the Red Devils. Even after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, he has been handed the responsibility for United.
#1 James Ward-Prowse - Southampton
Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse might not be a stellar name on the list but he is still the best set-piece taker in the Premier League. The English midfielder is miles ahead due to his consistency in producing sensational moments from set-pieces.
Ward-Prowse is technically brilliant, which makes him a threat to be reckoned with in dead ball situations. With a unique mixture of curl, dip and power in his free-kicks, the 26-year-old knows how to put the ball into the net. He scored four goals from direct free-kicks in the previous campaign, proving his caliber in the Premier League.
Not just direct free-kicks but Ward-Prowse is also brilliant while taking corners and long range free-kicks. He knows the exact angle to swing in dangerous crosses for his teammates. There is no doubt that Ward-Prowse takes our #1 spot and by some margin.
