The world of football is abuzz with anticipation as a new Premier League season is about to kick off. For Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, it's time to strategize and build their dream squads. In this insightful article, we'll delve into the crucial role of set-piece takers and how they can impact the game, offering a unique perspective on the upcoming season.
The Set-Piece Revolution
Modern football is all about finding that extra edge, and set pieces have emerged as a key area of focus. With over half of Premier League clubs employing dedicated set-piece coaches, it's clear that this aspect of the game is no longer an afterthought. The numbers don't lie: during the 2025-26 season, an impressive 27.4% of all goals came from non-penalty set pieces, a significant increase from the previous campaign. Corners, in particular, were a game-changer, accounting for a record-high 18% of all goals.
Unlocking the Secrets of Set-Piece Success
To help FPL managers navigate this set-piece revolution, we've teamed up with Solio Analytics, a platform that combines detailed football data with FPL-specific analysis. Their insights provide a unique lens through which we can identify the players who thrive in set-piece situations.
Strong Set-Piece Teams: A Competitive Advantage
Last season, Arsenal emerged as the top team from set pieces, scoring an incredible 25 non-penalty set-piece goals while conceding only eight. Tottenham Hotspur, despite their relegation battle, also excelled, with a positive goal swing of 10. In the Championship, Coventry City stood out, with a positive swing of 16 goals. These numbers highlight the importance of set-piece strategy and its potential impact on a team's performance.
The Player Perspective: Stars of the Set Piece
When it comes to individual players, Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United takes center stage. With a record-breaking 21 assists in the Premier League last season, he's a set-piece maestro. Solio's predicted points feature places him as the second most dangerous player in the game, just behind Erling Haaland. His ability to deliver inswinging corners, a trend on the rise in the Premier League, is a key factor in his success.
The Rise of the Inswinging Corner
The inswinging corner has become a popular choice among teams, with a significant preference for left-footed takers from the right side and vice versa. This trend is evident in Solio's projections, which take into account the likelihood of players taking set pieces, especially corners. Everton's James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are prime examples of this dynamic, with Dewsbury-Hall taking charge of corners from the right side, despite being right-footed.
Set-Piece Dynamics: Impact on Player Value
Changes in set-piece dynamics can significantly impact a player's value in FPL. Take, for instance, Anton Stach of Leeds United, who took an equal number of corners from both sides last season. The arrival of Harry Wilson, a left-footed creative force, could shift this balance and impact Stach's value as a cost-effective midfielder. Similarly, Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool, who often took corners from both sides, may see his corner volume increase with the departure of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo's potential move to Spurs. However, the arrival of Andoni Iraola and his set-piece staff adds an element of uncertainty.
The Penalty Factor: A Game-Changer
Penalty takers are a crucial aspect of FPL, and their value cannot be overstated. Igor Thiago of Brentford, for example, raced to notoriety with 22 goals in the Premier League last season, many of which came from penalties. Solio's projections suggest that Thiago's penalty-taking duties may not be as consistent this season, with several other players projected to take more penalties. This highlights the importance of monitoring penalty takers and their impact on a player's overall value.
Set-Piece Receivers: The Unsung Heroes
While set-piece takers often grab the spotlight, the receivers play a vital role in converting these opportunities into goals. Pascal Struijk, now with Brighton & Hove Albion, made the first contact on the most crossed corners last season but failed to convert. Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães, priced at £8.0m this season, is another example of a player who excels in this area. However, it's Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk who truly stands out, scoring a league-high four goals from crossed corners.
Conclusion
As set pieces continue to play a pivotal role in Premier League football, understanding the dynamics and impact of set-piece takers and receivers becomes increasingly important. Solio's projections offer a valuable tool for FPL managers to identify the real value and potential of players in this context. With the upcoming season set to be an exciting one, keeping an eye on set-piece strategies and their impact on the game will be crucial for success.
