In this post, we talk about Newcastle United’s Legendary Set Piece Takers. Football is a beautiful game filled with moments of magic that can turn the tide of a match. One such moment comes from set pieces, where the precision and skill of certain players can make all the difference.

In this blog, we delve into the world of Newcastle United’s most excellent set-piece takers. These players have etched their names in the club’s history with their ability to score goals or create opportunities from free kicks and corners.

Newcastle United’s Legendary Set Piece Takers

No discussion about set piece takers at Newcastle United would be complete without mentioning the legendary Alan Shearer. He is the undisputed #1 in the list of Newcastle United’s Legendary Set Piece Takers.

Newcastle United's Legendary Set Piece Takers - St James Park, Newcastle
St James Park, Newcastle by Robert Cowen is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Player 1: Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer played for Newcastle United from 1996 to 2006. He joined his hometown club, Newcastle United, in the summer of 1996 for a then world record £15 million. While at Newcastle United, Shearer led the team to the 1998 FA Cup and 1999 FA Cup finals. He is regarded as one of the best strikers of all time and one of the greatest players in Premier League history.

Known for his prolific goal-scoring ability, Shearer was also a lethal threat from free kicks. With his powerful right foot, he could bend the ball over the wall and into the net with incredible accuracy. Throughout his career, Shearer scored an impressive number of goals from direct free kicks, leaving both goalkeepers and fans in awe.

Player 2: Laurent Robert

Laurent Robert played for Newcastle United from 2001 to 2005. He was a left winger who scored 32 goals in 181 appearances for the Magpies. He was part of the team that reached the FA Cup final in 1998 and qualified for the Champions League in 20022. He was also a French international who won the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. Robert was known for his pace, crossing ability and free-kick skills. He was a fan favourite at Newcastle and had a good partnership with Olivier Bernard on the left flank.

Laurent Robert cannot miss in Newcastle United’s Legendary Set Piece Takers. He was a French winger who joined Newcastle United in 2001. Known for his thunderous left foot, Robert became a fan favourite due to his incredible free-kick abilities.

His strikes were often characterized by their swerving trajectory and sheer power. Robert’s free kicks became a spectacle on their own, leaving opposition goalkeepers helpless as the ball found the back of the net.

Player 3: David Ginola

David Ginola played for Newcastle United from 1995 to 1997. He was a left winger who scored seven goals in 76 Premier League appearances for the Magpies. He was part of the team that reached the FA Cup final in 1998, but lost to Arsenal. He left Newcastle in 1997 to join Tottenham Hotspur. Ginola was a French international who won the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. He was known for his flair, creativity and free-kick skills.

David Ginola, the charismatic French winger and one of Newcastle United’s Legendary Set Piece Takers, had a brief but impactful spell at Newcastle United. Apart from his mesmerizing dribbling skills, Ginola was a master of delivering pinpoint, accurate corner kicks.

His ability to whip the ball into dangerous areas created numerous goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. Ginola’s corner kicks were a nightmare for opposing defenders, and he played a crucial role in Newcastle United’s attacking prowess.

Player 4: David Batty

David Batty played for Newcastle United from 1996 to 1998. He joined the club from Blackburn Rovers for £3.75 million and made 83 league appearances for the Magpies, scoring three goals. He was part of the Newcastle team that reached the FA Cup final in 1998, but lost to Arsenal.

He left Newcastle in 1998 to return to his boyhood club Leeds United. Batty was a defensive midfielder known for his incredible work rate and unselfish play. He also earned 42 caps for England and played in the 1998 World Cup.

David Batty was primarily known for his defensive abilities, but he also possessed a hidden talent in set pieces. Despite not being the most glamorous player, Batty had a knack for taking free kicks with precision and accuracy.

His ability to curl the ball over the wall and into the top corner surprised many opponents and often caught goalkeepers off guard, securing him a spot in Newcastle United’s Legendary Set Piece Takers.

Player 5: Yohan Cabaye

Yohan Cabaye was a midfielder who played for Newcastle United from 2011 to 2014. He scored 17 goals in 79 appearances for the Magpies and helped them finish fifth in the Premier League in the 2011-12 season. He left Newcastle in January 2014 to join Paris Saint-Germain for £19 million. He later played for Crystal Palace, Al-Nasr and Saint-Étienne before retiring in 2021. Cabaye was a fan favourite at Newcastle and a French international who won the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Yohan Cabaye, the French midfielder, arrived at Newcastle United with a reputation as a set-piece specialist and became one of Newcastle United’s legendary set-piece takers.

His free kicks were a joy to watch, as he could bend the ball with precision and dip it over the wall. Cabaye’s ability to create opportunities from set pieces, both through goals and assists, played a significant role in Newcastle United’s success during his time at the club.

Comparison and Analysis

While each of these players had a unique style and technique for set pieces, they all shared a common trait: the ability to make an impact when it mattered the most. Whether it was Shearer’s powerful strikes, Robert’s swerving free kicks, Ginola’s pinpoint corners, Batty’s unexpected accuracy, or Cabaye’s precision, they all played a crucial role in Newcastle United’s set-piece success.

Iconic Set Piece Goals

Newcastle United’s history is filled with memorable set-piece goals that have become part of the club’s folklore. From Shearer’s thunderous free kicks to Robert’s bending strikes, these goals have left a lasting impression on fans and opponents alike. They have not only secured vital points but have also provided unforgettable moments of celebration.

Conclusion

Set pieces are an integral part of football, and Newcastle United has had its fair share of legendary set piece takers. From Alan Shearer’s deadly accuracy to Laurent Robert’s thunderous strikes, they have left an indelible mark on the club’s history.

Whether it’s a free kick or a corner kick, these players have showcased their skill and precision, creating moments that fans will cherish for years to come. Newcastle United’s Legendary Set Piece Takers have proven that sometimes, it’s the small moments that can define a match and etch their names in football folklore.

Who would you add to the list of Newcastle United’s Legendary Set Piece Takers? Let me know in the comments below!

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