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#4 Lionel Messi
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One of the two standout players of this generation, Lionel Messi has made free-kick taking an art. A threat from any angle and any distance, Messi has often scored some spectacular curling free-kicks at crucial intervals.
Earlier this season, the Argentine had become so good with his dead ball abilities, that he scored 3 free-kicks in 3 successive matches in the early weeks of 2017 (against Bilbao, Villarreal and again against Bilbao).
Capable of going over the wall or curling into the top corner to the same side as the goalkeeper, Messi's varied and effective set-pieces have time and again proven to be the difference in crucial matches. One of Messi's free-kicks for Argentina in the Copa Centenario was even nominated for the Puskas award this year.
Sit back and enjoy one of the best free-kicks you will ever see!
#3 Dimitri Payet
One of the most dreaded set piece takers in world football at the moment, Dimitri Payet has scored some unbelievable free-kicks in the last year. The Frenchman;s incredible set-piece abilities had made him a firm fan favourite at West Ham until he made a controversial move back to Ligue 1 giants Marseille.
Capable of getting the ball to dip and swerve in scarcely believable angles, Payet’s distinctive free-kicks almost give the opposition goalkeeper no chance of saving them. One of the best French midfielders at the moment, Payet is considered by many to be the most consistent free-kick taker at the moment.
The 29-year-old will be looking to continue performing at the same level and contribute significantly to both Marseille and the French national side in the coming years. The below video shows exactly what Payet is capable of:
