At the very highest level, set pieces are playing an ever-growing important role.
At one stage, set-pieces were considered tools for sides who perhaps lacked the ability to create chances via other methods. Now though, with margins at the very top so tight, the very best sides are investing more resources and hiring more set-piece specialists to help them enhance and maximise their returns from dead-ball situations.
It’s believed that efficiency from set-pieces at both ends of the pitch could account for up to a 30 per cent improvement in teams, meaning these coaches could have a big say in things such as the Premier League title race and Champions League places next season.
