James Ward-Prowse’s Case for the Greatest Free Kick Taker in EPL History

James Ward-Prowse last free kick goal against Chelsea, he marked his 17th goal coming from such set pieces. By closing into David Beckham’s record 18 Premier League free kick goals, the Southampton midfielder further solidifies his case for the greatest free kick taker in the league’s history. 

Though the biggest indicator of free kick related greatness is of course goal conversions, there is much to be said about setting up scoring opportunities from free kick chances. Steven Gerrard might just be the epitome of such a mindset. Though he has only 10 Premier League free kick goals to his name, it was the chances that he created for his teams from the dot that makes him known as a set-piece masterclass.

Thierry Henry was a player that was perhaps most known for the finesse that he brought to the pitch; this very attribute translated perfectly to the approach that he took to taking free kicks. Though he did not have anomalous power, it was through his precision and control of the ball that got him 12 free kick goals in the EPL.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s early career might have been the highest peak we have seen as far as set-piece strikes go. During his early tenure with Manchester United, Ronaldo’s 12 free kick goals are known for his mix of explosiveness as well as his skill. Not only was he a threat from nearly half-pitch, he was also an early adopter of the knuckleball free kick.

David Beckham is in many ways the gold standard for free kick excellence. His free kicks were an even mix of everything one might desire; he proved to be a master of spin & dip, precision, and cannon-like power. His record has stood since his departure from the league in 2003 for good reason, it was thought to be untouchable since the emergence of James Ward-Prowse as an all-time free kick threat.

James Ward-Prowse may not be known for the same kind of power-strike as some of the other names discussed, but it is his control of the ball that has seen him at the forefront of the GOAT free kicker conversation. It is admittedly hard to put him at the one spot without having the goals to back it up, but the possibility for him to move ahead of Beckham is still very much alive.