10 players with the highest free kick conversion rate

There is something extra special about a goal scored via a free kick. Watching the ball float over the imposing wall before dipping back down again with a venomous dip and swerve adds tremendous character and wow factor to the whole experience. Whether it comes from close range or far, far out it is always nice to see a goal flash in past the keeper (provided your team is not on the receiving end).Down through the years, football has been graced with some fine dead-ball specialists. Whether it has been Rivelino, Didi, David Beckham, Ronaldinho or Juninho Pernambucano, there have always been some top-class performers who have known precisely what to do when given a free strike at goal.What about today? Who has stood tallest in recent years from the teams in Europe’s top five leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1)? Andrea Pirlo, perhaps? Cristiano Ronaldo? Lionel Messi? You would be surprised who features in our list of the top 10 free kick takers of the last two seasons. Read on to find out.All statistics courtesy of WhoScored (data supplied by Opta) featuring players who have scored at least three goals from at least 20 attempts at goal.

#10 Gareth Bale

Wales are off to the European Championships in France, and although it took a monumental team effort, it’s true that Gareth Bale played a pivotal role in helping them get there.

The Real Madrid star has often had to live under the shadow of several of his team-mates since joining the La Liga outfit from Tottenham Hotspur, but he has nevertheless impressed with a fair number of good performances. One of his biggest strengths has come when he’s elected to shoot from dead balls.

Although he has only scored three times from 24 attempts, he maintains a 12.25 percent record. Perhaps Los Blancos fans, team-mates (here’s looking at you Ronaldo) and management would do well to have more faith in the Welsh wizard. 

After all, when he can blast in wonder-goals like the one he netted against Espanyol back in January, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher he hasn’t been given more opportunities. Regardless, he’ll have plenty of chances to shine on French soil in 2016, and we can’t wait to see him flex his free kick muscles then.