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Of course, everyone here knows it :] , but it’s nice to see others recognize it as well.

In the latest Goal.com POLL (International Best Free-Kick Taker), ADP bested heavy hitters such as Nakamura, Juninho Pernambucano, and Cristiano Ronaldo. His recent free-kick taking excellence might have something to do with it of course, but it’s only a rightful recognition for someone who’s been a dead ball specialist for over a decade.
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IL FENOMENO VERO E’ ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO.

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1		Alessandro Del Piero	29.7%
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2		Shunsuke Nakamura	20.8%
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3		Juninho Pernambucano	12.9%
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4		Cristiano Ronaldo	10.9%
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5		Andrea Pirlo	9.9%
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6		David Beckham	8.9%
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7		Wesley Sneijder	4.0%
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8		Juan Román Riquelme	3.0%

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There are three primary techniques used with direct free kicks. First, the player taking the direct free kick may blast the ball as hard as he can, usually with the laces of the boot. This method is used by Roberto Carlos and Robin Van Persie. Alternatively, some players try to curl the ball around the keeper, with the inside of the boot. Free kick specialists such as Juninho Pernambucano, Ronaldinho and David Beckham employ this method. Curling the ball is a hard skill to learn but when executed, can be the most effective way of scoring in a match. Additionally, certain free kick specialists will choose to kick the ball with minimal spin, making the ball behave unpredictably in the air. Juninho Pernambucano and Cristiano Ronaldo utilize this method regularly. Free kick takers may also attempt to cross the ball to their centre backs or strikers in order to get a header on goal, especially if the position of the free kick is close to the wings.

Source: Wikipedia

They don’t mention ADP in there, but they bloody well should. Since the season started, our beloved captain has scored five goals on set-pieces, and one more beautiful than the next. Such deadly free-kick scoring efficiency has been the trademark of very few players in football history, a rare breed in the lines of Zico, Sinisa Mihaijlovic and Juninho Pernambucano.

So just because I’m such a nice guy, here a 5 x 5 gallery of all those goals: 5 goals, 5 beautiful pictures for each, and nice little video to summarize everything.

Enjoy! :]

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JUVENTUS VS. ZENIT

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JUVENTUS VS. PALERMO

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JUVENTUS VS. ROMA

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REAL MADRID VS. JUVENTUS

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CHIEVO VS. JUVENTUS

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ALL 5 GOALS COMPILED:

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