5 best free-kick takers in the Premier League right now (2021)

#3 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Leeds United v Liverpool - Premier League

Unlike most teams, Liverpool's main creative sources are their full-backs. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson dictate the tempo of games on a regular basis. Both are pacy campaigners who are immensely gifted in the technical department.

Alexander-Arnold in particular is an extremely technically refined player. The Englishman's passing range is astounding and his technique has often been likened to that of the legendary David Beckham.

Those lovely, in-swinging early crosses are not the only thing Alexander-Arnold has in common with Beckham, though. He is a pretty solid set-piece taker and has a knack for finding the back of the net from deadball situations.

#2 Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)

Chelsea v Aston Villa - Premier League

Marcos Alonso had almost become a peripheral figure at Chelsea under Frank Lampard. But the introduction of Thomas Tuchel changed everything for the Spaniard. Fortunately for Alonso, Tuchel operates with a three-man defence and uses wing-backs.

The 30-year-old is a wing-back who loves to attack with abandon. He is not great at dispensing his defensive duties but is excellent on the other side of the pitch. Alonso has great technique when it comes to free-kicks.

Every now and then, he curls one into the top corner before wheeling away in celebration. Alonso produced a special one in Chelsea's 3-0 win against Crystal Palace in the opening day of the 2021-22 Premier League season.

He is one of Chelsea's primary free-kick takers and given his prominence in the squad these days, there's every chance that his tally will increase.

#1 James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

West Bromwich Albion v Southampton - Premier League

Although all the other players on this list are pretty formidable from direct free-kicks, nobody even comes close to the consistency that James Ward-Prowse shows. The Southampton captain lining up to take a free-kick from about 20-30 yards out is a nightmarish sight for any goalkeeper.

Ward-Prowse has excellent technique and he regularly puts the right amount of power and curl into his shots. In the 2020-21 season alone, Ward-Prowse scored from four direct free-kicks.

The 26-year-old is one of the best from all kinds of deadball situations. His delivery from corners and long free-kicks are excellent as well.