Every Set-Piece Taker at Each Premier League Club (2024)

The Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world — and to even consider winning the title, players have to be at their very best. There is no margin for anyone, even the best players in the world. It’s one of the reasons so many footballers want to move to England.

They definitely don’t come for the weather or the climate, but that sacrifice is worth it to challenge themselves against 19 of the strongest teams around. A huge part of a club’s tactics comes during set-pieces. It gives sides the opportunity to ‘reset’ and have one clear chance to score.

Each team opts for different tactics, and some are more successful than others, but every club understands just how important they are. With the 2024/25 campaign creeping closer by the day, we have outlined everything you need to know about each club’s set-piece takers, although this may change once the season begins.

Arsenal

Arsenal are one of the most successful teams in the world. They had several years of midtable disappointment, but Mikel Arteta has birthed new life into them. Last season, Martin Odegaard was their main free-kick taker, with the playmaker comfortable from either side of the pitch. However, when further out, Declan Rice was prone to taking them. Meanwhile, at corners, the former Real Madrid midfielder was the main option, although Saka, one of the best wingers in the world, was also frequently used. They have no clear choice — and that epitomises Arteta’s versatility.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa remarkably qualified for the Champions League in 2024. Unai Emery has transformed the Midlands-based side into one of the most feared teams in the nation — and set-pieces played a part in that. They scored 14 goals from dead-ball situations, with their options, Lucas Digne and John McGinn, proving crucial. Unsurprisingly, the left-back opts to take free-kicks which in-swing from the right, whilst the Scotsman is more comfortable on the other side, yet it showcases how Villa are versatile in several situations. They’ll be hoping to take advantage of their set-pieces once again in the 24/25 campaign.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola were one of the feel-good stories of the 2023/24 campaign. They were expected to struggle after sacking Gary O’Neil controversially, but their decision paid off. It took time, and some questioned it after a slow start, but the Cherries eventually kicked into fifth gear, earning their highest-ever points tally. Just like every other club, set-pieces played a part in that. Philip Billing was prone to taking free-kicks, whilst Lewis Cook and Marcus Tavernier were always at the heart of corners. It proved effective, but the question will be if they can replicate it again.

Brentford

Brentford missed Ivan Toney for the first half of the 23/24 campaign, but – once he returned – they found success from set-pieces. Alongside this, in terms of conceding from set-piece opportunities, the Bees were resolute. In fact, they were one of the best teams in the league with just eight goals conceded. That was impressive, yet it was the work of Bryan Mbuemo and Mathias Jensen which is important to highlight. The duo did truly understand the importance of dead ball situations, helping the Bees create a threat in the final third.

Brighton

Brighton will be looking to return to European football in the 2024/25 season, as they merge young and exciting talent with regular names at the Amex Stadium. One of those regular names is Pascal Gross, who is their main set-piece taker down on the south coast. The German has everything you need in dead-ball situations, acting as a cool and composed figure during high-pressure situations. Coupled with Lewis Dunk, who loves the occasional effort from a free-kick, and Solly March, who can be trusted with corners, the Seagulls have several options which may prove crucial in nervy affairs.

Chelsea

Cole Palmer was one of the signings of the season during the 2023/24 campaign. He proved people wrong as he found confidence in the final third, acting as a trusted and world-class figure. No one could truly believe it, yet the former Man City star continued to shine under Mauricio Pochettino. He always took their penalties and free-kicks, unless he was feeling generous, which meant he added to his goals category regularly. During corners, Ben Chilwell and Conor Gallagher regularly took them — and they depended on which side they are being taken from.

Crystal Palace

Currently, Eberechi Eze is the Eagles’ main set-piece taker. However, that could quickly change. The former Queens Park Rangers playmaker is linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, with Tottenham interested in his services. It’s easy to see why, though; he shone under Oliver Glasner at the end of the 23/24 campaign, whilst when he’s fit, he’s one of the best players in the division. From free-kicks and corners, the midfielder is so composed and always has the ability to pick his spot with ease. It won’t be easy to replace him.

Everton

Everton go into their final season at Goodison Park hopeful that they can avoid relegation once again. The Toffees have a knack for always avoiding the dreaded drop, even when it seems all but guaranteed. With Sean Dyche as manager, they are unsurprisingly quite strong from dead-ball situations, with Ashley Young and James Garner taking free-kicks regularly. Alongside this, Dwight McNeil can take corners as he acts as one of their key players in the final third. They will need to carry that on in the 24/25 season as they aim to say farewell to their legendary home.

Fulham

Fulham have two clear options for set-pieces, both of whom are Brazilian. Andreas Pereira, formerly of Manchester United, and Willian, who used to ply his trade for both Arsenal and Chelsea as one of the greatest Brazilian players in the competition’s history, are lethal from set-pieces. It’s their natural habitat, as they act like possessed footballers who simply know how to cross a ball perfectly. Even at free-kicks, they have the talent to score directly, providing hope to the Fulham faithful at Craven Cottage. The duo switch depending on the situation, knowing they trust one another to be able to make the right decision during high-pressure moments.

Ipswich

Ipswich’s promotion from the Championship in 2024 was a fairytale story. They simply showed the world that they are here to compete and not to take part. No one expected their promotion-winning campaign, yet with countless last-minute goals, coupled with drama which would send anyone crazy, the Tractor Boys did it. Several of their crucial goals came from set pieces, yet – due to their promotion – it’s hard to be certain who will take them moving forward. They’ll recruit heavily in the transfer window, but one option might be Wesley Burns, who shone in the second tier.

Leicester

Leicester go into the 2024/25 campaign in a challenging situation. Manager Enzo Maresca left to join Chelsea in June, whilst star player Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is also set to join the Italian in West London. It’s far from ideal for the Foxes, but they will be forced to live without them. Leicester played some elegant football in the Championship, yet that will be far harder in the Premier League, which may see them resort to set-pieces consistently. Abdul Fatawu starred in the second tier — and he could be the man to stand over the ball in certain situations.

Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold is already a Liverpool legend. He might be defensively unsteady and lack the aggression to truly be considered one of the greatest right-backs of all time, but that shouldn’t take away from his talent in the final third. As an attacking option from deep, there’s very few better. When the Reds do win a free-kick, the opposition seems to fear Alexander-Arnold stepping over the ball. He can score from so many positions, whilst also finding his teammates in the box if it’s needed. Coupled with Dominik Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson, Liverpool have some of the best set-piece takers in the world.

Man City

Manchester City will be aiming to win their fifth Premier League title in a row in 2025. It would be an unprecedented achievement as Pep Guardiola looks to say farewell on a high. The most remarkable thing about Man City is that they are so versatile. Naturally, Guardiola prefers to play tiki-taka and possession-based football, but it’s never their only option. If they need to threaten from a set-piece, they will do it — and that’s hardly surprising when they have Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden available for dead-ball situations. The duo are two of the best players in the world and can comfortably find their teammates.

Man United

Man United struggled during the 2023/24 season. They finished eighth and it seemed all but guaranteed that Erik ten Hag would be departing Old Trafford. However, after beating bitter rivals Man City 2-1 in the FA Cup Final, the Dutchman has stayed on, as he now fights on his final life. Bruno Fernandes is always going to be an important player for any manager sitting in the dugout. Man Utd are no exception, with the playmaker consistently pulling the strings in the final third. This includes set pieces, where he can create a chance seemingly out of nothing.

Newcastle

Newcastle have dramatically improved since PIF – who are owned by Saudi Arabia – took over the club in 2021. It was expected as they pumped millions of pounds into the club. Their first signing in North East England was Kieran Tripper — and the former Tottenham Hotspur defender has remained a consistent part of their backline since. He can play at right-back or left-back, yet he also possesses an incredible threat from set-pieces. Newcastle have used it to their advantage in the past two campaigns, so it’s expected the same will occur again in the 2024/25 season.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest narrowly stayed up once again under Nuno Espirito Santo. Despite financial woes, a poor transfer strategy and an owner who seemed to lose his head at every given moment, the Midlands-based side remains a Premier League side. Morgan Gibbs-White played a huge part in that, acting as a powerful and aggressive figure in the final third. It’s unclear if he will remain at the club due to PSR concerns at the club, but – if he does – the former Wolves man will be their main set-piece taker once again. If he does depart, Neco Williams is another strong option.

Southampton

Southampton beat Leeds 1-0 in the Championship Play-off Final to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. It was no easy feat and sent shivers through their fanbase at Wembley, but it proved crucial in being able to keep their best players due to PSR financial struggles. One of their best players is Kyle Walker-Peters, who has been linked with a move away. However, if he does stay, he will be one of their main set-piece takers. Flynn Downes was only on loan last season, but the Saints do want to resign him. If they do, he might be another valuable option at dead-ball situations.

Tottenham

Tottenham qualified for the Europa League during Ange Postecoglou’s first campaign at the club. After losing their greatest striker of all time, Harry Kane, and fan discontent being at an all-time high, it was a season of success. James Maddison played a huge part in that after joining from Leicester City. The playmaker took both free-kicks and corners throughout, whilst Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski – one of their few left-footed options – were also well-used for set-pieces. It will be the same story in the 24/25 season as they look to return to the Champions League.

West Ham

James Ward-Prowse from then-relegated Southampton in the summer of 2023. As Declan Rice left the club, Ward-Prowse acted as a statement of intent that the Hammers didn’t want to fall back into midtable mediocrity. They failed to qualify for Europe in David Moyes’ final season, yet they will be hopeful that was just a blip. Ward-Prowse will be key for them under new manager Julen Lopetegui, particularly from set-pieces. He has everything you need from a player at dead-ball situations. He’s precise, accurate and possesses the composure to consistently find his teammates in the box.

Wolves

Finally, Wolves were one of the surprise packages during the 2023/24 season under Gary O’Neil. The Midlands-based side were widely tipped for relegation but managed to break clear of the battle under the former Bournemouth manager. Going into the 24/25 season, the challenge will be about kicking on. Pedro Neto is heavily linked with a move away from Molineux, but if he stays, he will be one of their key options during set-pieces. Meanwhile, Pedro Sarabia is another strong option at dead-ball situations, providing them with versatility in one of the most challenging divisions.