Top 10 free-kick takers in Europe

#2 Miralem Pjanic

Bought by Juventus as a replacement for Paul Pogba, 26-year-old Miralem Pjanic has quickly settled into his role as the chief playmaker in this very impressive Juventus side. Gifted with amazing technical ability, playmaking skills and tactical versatility, Pjanic is perhaps best known for his incredible set-piece taking ability.

Described by the legendary Juninho as the best free-kick taker in the world in 2015, Pjanic has scored some absolute beauties for both his club and national sides in the last few years. Not only is he known for his accurate bending direct free-kicks, he is also renowned for delivering questioning balls into the box from anywhere on the pitch.

An integral part of the all-conquering Juventus side, Allegri will be hoping that the Bosnian keeps his good form going for the remainder of this campaign.

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#1 Hakan Calhanoglu

There are very few players who are known exclusively for their free-kick skills. Legendary Lyon and Brazil star Juninho was one, AC Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu is another. The 23-year-old can almost make the ball listen to his will and is a true master in the art of taking set pieces.

Citing Cristiano Ronaldo and Juninho as inspirations, Calhanoglu has arguably already passed the Portuguese superstar in terms of free-taking abilities. While the Turkish international is a supreme playmaker in his own right, he is almost always only talked about for his excellent set-piece abilities.

Both his club and country’s designated set-piece taker, Calhanoglu is quite clearly the best exponent of the dead ball in world football at the moment. His 50-yard free-kick against Borussia Dortmund is probably the best free-kick of all time! You definitely do not want to miss this video: