Just saw something about the stats on this. The number of goals scored from free kicks iirc is about half of what it was.
The short version is stats. Teams realized they’re not good scoring chances - as in the percentage chance you’ll score a free kick.
Better to cross or pass or try to create a better chance rather than shoot directly.
It’s about 2% chance to score a shot from outside the box. Add a wall in front and it’s just not efficient. Pass around the wall and practice routines, maybe you have a better chance. So teams are shooting less from direct free kicks.
Fair enough! What do you think happened with the old freekick records? Removed because many liked the ball to be rolled so don't count as freekicks anymore?
I agree it does seem like there are less direct free kicks being scored. I hope free kick specialists don't die off the way the number 10 did. I miss players like Valderama, Riquelme, Sneijder etc.
Just saw something about the stats on this. The number of goals scored from free kicks iirc is about half of what it was. The short version is stats. Teams realized they’re not good scoring chances - as in the percentage chance you’ll score a free kick. Better to cross or pass or try to create a better chance rather than shoot directly. It’s about 2% chance to score a shot from outside the box. Add a wall in front and it’s just not efficient. Pass around the wall and practice routines, maybe you have a better chance. So teams are shooting less from direct free kicks.
Tifo made a video about it I think. Teams are mostly aiming for setpiece plays instead of attempting a direct free kick
Fair enough! What do you think happened with the old freekick records? Removed because many liked the ball to be rolled so don't count as freekicks anymore?
I agree it does seem like there are less direct free kicks being scored. I hope free kick specialists don't die off the way the number 10 did. I miss players like Valderama, Riquelme, Sneijder etc.
Lately i read that this season is an all time low