Players with the most direct free-kick goals in EPL history

The Premier League has witnessed its share of brilliant direct free-kick goals since its initiation in 1992. There have been free-kick specialists and one-time-wonders but they have all been equally dazzling.While luck often plays a role in deciding whether the a free-kick ends up in the back of the net, some players have over the year developed styles that allow them to consistently find the top corner or baffle keepers by making the ball swing through the air.This season the likes of Christian Eriksen, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Sebastian Larsson have led the way in scoring direct free-kicks – hitting the back of the net from a dead ball situation 2 times each.That may seem like a measly figure, but it is important to note that they’re not the only free-kick takers in their teams and they are as involved in chance creation from free-kicks as they are in scoring goals.Moreover, since 2007, the highest number of goals coming directly from freekicks has been 32 (2009/10 and 2012/13). It really puts into perspective the difficulty of consistently scoring goals from these opportunities.Nonetheless, here are the players who managed to consistently wow audiences with their skill from dead ball situations.Note: Only players who have scored above 10 goals from direct free-kicks have been considered

#4 Morten Gamst Pedersen

The Norwegian winger was introduced to the Premier League in 2004 with Blackburn Rovers. Arguably Blackburn were past their best at this point. But that didn’t stop Gamst Pedersen from setting the EPL alight with his sublime left foot.

His ability to find the top corner repeatedly with his left foot often struck fear in the hearts of opposing goalkeepers. Despite only being a regular in the Blackburn squad for 2-3 seasons between 2004 and 2013.

He didn’t score too many goals – 35 in 288 appearances for the Rovers and 10 goals were from dead ball situations. A number that few have matched since, demonstrating the difficulty of such an achievement.

Blackburn were relegated in 2012, but Morten Gamst Pedersen’s left-footed strikes left an indelible mark on EPL history.