I'm going for Sinisa Mihailavoc simply because he was simply clinical setpieces, scoring a goal every 5 games for Lazio and Inter. Unlike Roberto Carlos who opts for pure power (which occasionally results in a swerve i.e. against Russia), Mihailovic is more delicate and goes for placement.

Fair enough that some people vote for Beckham but I really do think the thread title should be "best free kick taker you've seen". Football gets a whole lot more coverage now especially English football so it's natural to go with someone more current especially if he has played in England.

Just as a note Mihajlovic being a defender had a better goal to game ratio than Beckham did at Real Madrid or LA Galaxy. During the earlier part of their careers, Sinisa's goal average was only slightly less than Beckham's at Man Utd and one must remember he is a defender. I just felt that this was a very poignant point. Also, we are considering free kicks and not goals or crosses from open play. Midfielders will generally score or have more assists from open play as compared to defenders, especially centrebacks which is another reason Mihajlovic stands out.

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Jan 7 2009, 11:33 AM

All I know is I won't want to be in the wall when he hits one.

Well blasting it in the wall does have some merit. We've seen on occasions where goals have been scored via deflections off the wall. A Branco blast full on would definitely send someone to the ICU man

Maybe because we are taking a players whole career into consideration and not just one moment?

Jimmy Bullard is pretty good at deadball situations as well.

If you think he belongs in the list, you're always welcomed to state your reasons why.

As expected this is a subjective topic and it depends on which era you were born. Freekick experts existed before Beckham but were not as exposed given the lack of television coverage at the time. Can't blame anyone really, I mean we can only call it as we see it.

I disagree however that him and Van Nisterooy kick ass more than Gerrard and Torres. It's a different type of relationship. Becks provided good service to Van Nisterooy, while Gerrard and Torres often create for one another. Torres scored a barrel load of goals last season but his contribution this season has been somewhat limtied because of injury. Gerrard has picked up much of the slack and ranks 2nd on the top goalscorer's chart this season. I disagree with one being better than the other.

Yes because everyone votes based on sentiment and not logic.

Yup I mentioned Mihajlovic much earlier in the thread but you are right, younger posters would not have heard of him. What made him that much more special was that he played at centreback.

Ian Harte did take a fair share of freekicks for Leeds but he never really scored too many. I could do a google search to find out where he is now but where's the fun in that eh? I know he went to Spain to play for one of the weaker sides (Zaragoza? Getafe?). One of em I'm guessing. He's since returned to the Premiership hasn't he? Birmingham/Stoke? Anyone? C'mon, don't google it

Ok Ian Harte's with Cardiff now. Noticed that because he scored in their 2-1 defeat in the league cup.

Well back then Leeds used to be the best in the league eh?