Liverpool Football Club has a proud tradition of free-kick takers, some of whom are masters of the dead ball. Numerous Reds have left the fans in awe over the years after scoring stunning dead-ball strikes, often changing the course of matches. Next, we look at the top free-kick takers in Liverpool history.
Steven Gerrard
One of the greatest players of Liverpool, Gerrard was known for his leadership and talent on the pitch. A trademark of his career was his capacity to score decisive goals from free-kicks. Gerrard scored 10 direct free-kicks for Liverpool. It is his unforgettable free-kick against Aston Villa in 2007 when he slammed home in stoppage time to win the match for the Reds.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
In the last couple of years, there have been few better free-kick takers in the Premier League than Trent Alexander-Arnold. He’s already netted six direct free-kicks in the league, with his talent and technique having drawn comparisons to David Beckham. A moment which stood out the most was a free-kick for Newcastle versus Chelsea back in 2019, where he bent the ball beautifully into the top corner. His set pieces have started to become an extremely important weapon for Liverpool, and this makes him one of their key players.
Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho was a creative darling when he wore Liverpool colours. A standout moment for him was his beautiful free-kick against Arsenal back in 2016. This goal highlighted both his technical ability and his value in big games. At Anfield, Coutinho made a name for himself as a man who could score direct from dead ball situations with power and finesse.
John Arne Riise
John Arne Riise was another Liverpool player known for his thunderous strikes. The best of those was a free kick against Manchester United in 2001, his first goal in the match that would lay the platform for a 3-1 against the defending champions. Throughout his career, Riise was always a threat from free-kicks, thanks to his ability to unleash powerful shots from a distance.
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister brought experience and cheek to Liverpool’s set pieces. For example, his infamous free-kick against Everton back in 2001 highlighted his ability to send the opposition the ‘wrong way’ all the time. He capped off half of Everton’s defence, showing precision and cunning, flying the ball into the bottom corner. This goal showcased that McAllister could be influential in key moments.
Patrik Berger
Patrik Berger always handled the ball with finesse and creativity, and his free-kicks were incredible. One of the highlights of Berger’s Liverpool career was that strike against Manchester United in 2000, proof he could find the target from distance with panache.
Final Words
Since the days of David Beckham, time and time again Liverpool have had top players who can take a free kick. As the team continues to thrive, it is easy to see how fans may try to bet in play after such amazing free-kicks. This seems logical as goals from free-kicks can change betting odds massively. However, it is the skill and effort of these players that transforms their free kicks into moments that are truly remembered throughout history.
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