Set-piece duties used to be straightforward. A team had a penalty taker, a free kick specialist, and a go-to corner man. But in 2025, these roles have evolved into a strategic game of shared responsibilities, rotated mid-match, adjusted by footedness, and sometimes up for grabs. Welcome to the era of shared set-piece duties, a fascinating aspect of modern football tactics.

Whether you’re striving to win your fantasy league, bet more effectively, or understand tactical trends, understanding who takes what and when is crucial. This guide offers practical insights, complete with real-world examples from top clubs such as Arsenal, Inter, PSG, and more, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

What Are Shared Set-Piece Duties?

Shared set-piece duties refer to dynamic situations where no single player handles all dead-ball responsibilities. Instead, roles are distributed among two to four teammates, depending on match context, footedness, or tactical setup. This dynamic approach to set pieces is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of football tactics.

Compare that to the traditional model, where a team had a fixed player assigned to each category: penalties, free kicks, and corners. Now, we’re seeing what analysts call “set piece committees,” particularly at top clubs. Even penalties are sometimes rotated.

Examples from the 2024/25 season:

  • Arsenal alternate corner duties between Saka (right foot), Ødegaard (left), and Martinelli (situational).
  • Inter Milan often split penalties between Lautaro Martínez and Hakan Çalhanoğlu.
  • PSG used three different free-kick takers in a single match last month.

Why Are Teams Splitting Set-Piece Roles?

Tactical Footedness

Many managers now prefer inswinging or outswinging corners depending on the game state. In the past, clubs like Liverpool famously split duties between Alexander-Arnold (right foot) and Robertson (left foot), depending on the side. This model has since been adopted and adapted across Europe’s top leagues.

Matchup-Specific Decisions

Certain players draw fouls or earn the ball in more central areas. Coaches might prefer a central free kick from the player who won it for psychological or momentum reasons.

Managing Loads

Star players sometimes step back from corners or long-range efforts to conserve energy or avoid injury risk, especially during congested schedules or high-stakes fixtures.

Injury or In-Match Substitutions

With five substitutions now standard, the set-piece hierarchy often changes by the 70th minute. Tracking only starting lineups is no longer reliable.

Case Study Snapshots: Live Examples from 2025

⚽ Arsenal – A Game of Corners

Across the last five Premier League games, Arsenal have alternated corner kick duties between:

  • Bukayo Saka (right foot, outswingers from the left)
  • Martin Ødegaard (left foot, outswingers from the right)
  • Gabriel Martinelli (used occasionally, mainly when both starters rest)

Notable: In GW35 vs. Spurs, all three took corners during the exact match. Ødegaard also took a direct free kick, his first since February.

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⚽ Inter Milan – Penalty Rotation in Action

In Serie A, Inter’s penalty takers have rotated more than most fans realise:

  • Lautaro Martínez: Scored 3 of 4 this season.
  • Hakan Çalhanoğlu: Took the last two, including a Champions League knockout tie.
  • Alexis Sánchez (now benched) took one in Coppa Italia.

Trend: Lautaro seems to be the default when on the pitch, unless he is fouled. In that case, Çalhanoğlu typically steps up.

⚽ PSG – Mid-Match Free Kick Switching

With Mbappé’s departure, PSG have turned to a rotating cast of specialists:

  • Vitinha is frequently assigned wide-position deliveries.
  • Dembélé has taken short-range efforts from central areas.
  • Asensio has also appeared in recent set-piece setups.

Watch out: PSG frequently adjusts based on who draws the foul. Dembélé, being fouled more often, often takes the resulting free kick if it is centrally located.

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What This Means for Fantasy & Betting

The days of locking in one “set piece guy” are over. Even top fantasy analysts are shifting strategy:

  • Don’t chase the last taker. Look at trends from the previous three games.
  • Consider rotation risk when captaining a known penalty taker.
  • In Daily Fantasy or Sorare, prioritise players involved in multiple roles (for example, Ødegaard).

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Conclusion

Shared set-piece duties are now common at top clubs. While this makes fantasy football and betting more complex, it also allows for deeper analysis. Stay informed, follow player trends, and avoid relying on last season’s roles.

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