Leighton Baines's top five freekicks

Leighton Baines

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5. Leighton Baines vs Tottenham

Coming into the game against, Baines wasn’t in the best of form and although he still managed to do his defensive duty diligently, there were those who questioned his offensive prowess. He silenced his critics once and for all, with an absolutely stunning free kick against Spurs at White Hart Lane which gave Everton an invaluable point.

The free kick, was typical Leighton Baines, slightly outside the box, fairly central, Baines whipped the ball in the top right hand corner and gave the keeper no chance. The technique involved in lifting the ball up and over the wall whilst also giving it the desired spin was something that Baines achieved expertly with this finish.

4. Leighton Baines vs Swansea City

From almost the center of the goal, 25 yards out, the stage was set for another Leighton Baines special against Swansea City. And the English left back didn’t disappoint, as he beat the Swans goalkeeper, with consummate ease.

The strike which beat the goalkeeper, couldn’t have been better placed and the technique with which he accomplished it, was something very few possess. Baines curled the ball past the keeper into the top right hand corner with the same ease as he would open a can of water. The striker not only strengthened his case for one of the best free kick takers in England, but also helped him get into the national squad and go toe to toe with Ashley Cole.

3. Leighton Baines vs Chelsea

There are those who say that taking free-kicks, isn’t too hard. They say that with enough practice, anybody can do it. Whilst that is partly true, having the skill is one thing, but executing it in the 119^th minute, as your team is on the verge of one of the most illustrious cup competitions is quite something else.

But, that is exactly what Baines did against Chelsea in the fourth round replay at Stamford Bridge. He stood up when it mattered most and made the difference as he curled the ball into the top right hand corner, from a free-kick taken from close to 25 yards out. Not only did he precisely place the ball into the top corner, but he also managed to overcome the nerves and deliver the killer goal, which took the match into penalties, which was subsequently won by Everton.

2. Leighton Baines vs West Ham United

Leighton Baines opened his account for the new season with an absolutely scorching free kick against West Ham. After a summer in which, he was heavily linked from a move away from Everton, the English fullback let his feet do all the talking as his stunning free kick brought his side back on level terms against West Ham.

The strike that brought them level with West Ham, was a thing of beauty. After Ross Barkley was fouled about 25 yards out almost dead center, Baines curled an absolute peach of a free kick into the top left hand corner and gave the goal keeper no chance whatsoever.

1. Leighton Baines vs Newcastle United

Whilst most of his free kicks, were based more on technique than power, in the game against Newcastle United, Baines showed that he is at ease doing both.

With the ball slightly to the left and more than a good 30 yards away from goal, many would have expected a trademark Baines free-kick that curled into either of the top corners. Instead, what transpired next, was something quite remarkable. Baines stepped up and put his laces through the ball and literally smashed into the net.

The sheer pace and swirl on the ball, was enough to beat Tim Krul, the hapless Newcastle keeper who lay helpless in goal. Whilst there were goals in which, he just curled it right into the top corner, for sheer audacity and temperament, this strike against Newcastle takes the crown as his best free kick.