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Set-pieces are one of the most effective ways of scoring goals on a football pitch. While a direct goal from a dead-ball situation is very much appreciated, one cannot undermine the importance of a goal scored from an indirect free-kick.
Players like John Terry, Gary Cahill, Nemanja Vidic and Sergio Ramos have proven just how deadly a player can be in set-piece situations. Defenders pose the greatest threat in such scenarios because of their aerial abilities.
Interestingly, a number of top European clubs have struggled with set-pieces this season. Manchester United are one such example. The Red Devils have had more than 100 set-pieces this season but are yet to make them count.
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However, some clubs have been able to capitalize on the dead-ball situation. Here, we take a look at the footballers who have been most productive in front of goal during set-pieces.
Note: All stats are as per Transfermarkt
#5 David Garcia (Osasuna)
David Garcia came through the ranks at Osasuna and has been with the club since being promoted to the senior side in 2014. He is capable of playing both as a center-back and as a central midfielder.
The defender has been a regular face for Osasuna over the years. He was vital in their promotion to Spain's top-most division in 2019.
The 27-year-old's tall physique makes him an asset in set-pieces, not only when defending but also when attacking.
Amazingly, the Spaniard has already scored four goals in 22 appearances across all competitions this season, and all of them have come through dead-ball situations.
#4 Philipp Lienhart (Freiburg)
Philipp Lienhart was a member of the Real Madrid youth team. He seldom got to play for the senior side and was loaned out to Freiburg in the Bundesliga for the 2017-18 season.
The move was made permanent the following year, and the Austrian has been with the club ever since. The center-back has been able to start regularly for the German club and is progressing well.
The 25-year old's aerial abilities make him an incredibly dangerous player in set-pieces. He has scored four goals in 24 appearances for Freiburg in all competitions, all of which came through set-pieces.
#3 Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich are blessed to have Robert Lewandowski at their disposal. The Polish striker has been outstanding for the Bavarian club ever since he joined them in 2014.
His arrival helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga for seven consecutive seasons. The Bavarians are on their way to winning their eighth one this campaign.
Lewandowski is a goal-scoring machine, having scored 329 goals in 358 appearances for the German giants in all competitions.
The 33-year old has already scored 35 goals in 29 matches across all competitions this season. Out of these strikes, four have come from set-pieces.
#2 Pau Torres (Villarreal)
Pau Torres is one of the finest defenders in Europe right now. He came through the ranks at Villarreal and remains loyal to the club to date.
The Spanish defender was in high demand during last summer's transfer window, but a move never materialized. His timely tackles, smart reading and positioning, combined with superb aerial strength, make him a valuable asset at the back for any club.
Torres has scored four goals in 28 games for Villarreal across all competitions this season, all of which came from set-pieces.
#1 Andrei Girotto (Nantes)
Andrei Girotto went under multiple loan spells early in his career but has settled with Nantes since joining them in 2016. He played a lot of football in Brazil before moving to play in Ligue 1.
The 29-year-old likes to play as a defensive midfielder but can be quite helpful even as a center-back.
Girotto has been surprisingly productive in front of goal this season. He has scored five goals in 25 appearances across all competitions for Nantes so far, all of which have come during set-pieces.
