[Albion] How to defend against a Ward-Prowse freekick

[Surf's Up]

Taller goalkeeper

 

[Baldseagull]

He scores one free-kick on average every 26,5 games so lets take a chill pill before subbing the goalie, lining up with no wall and putting 11 players on the goal line if they get a free-kick somewhere.

He has scored 3 goals from 6 freekicks he has taken this season.

 

[SeagullDubai]

Whilst he's setting it up, point to the stands to distract him mentioning how nice it is to have fans back etc etc.

Whilst everyone looks over contentedly, replace the ball with a balloon.

Or an Atlas Stone


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Beanstalk]

Don't give away silly fouls on the edge of the area.

Foul early (high up the pitch) and foul cynically. Share the bookings. Don't lose possession cheaply.

Easy.

 

[blue-shifted]

Don't give away silly fouls on the edge of the area.

Foul early (high up the pitch) and foul cynically. Share the bookings. Don't lose possession cheaply.

Easy.

Could name several clubs who diligently practice this.

Less cynically, just not trying to tackle (unless 110% sure you can get there) anywhere near the final third is a valid tactic. Just stand up and jockey them, be hard to get round. Make them continually recycle while we reset. It will mean defending a lot of crosses, but when facing such a free kick expert, that's probably the percentage way to defend

 

[Machiavelli]

Don't give away silly fouls on the edge of the area.

Foul early (high up the pitch) and foul cynically. Share the bookings. Don't lose possession cheaply.

Easy.

What ^ says.
PS re v: Pep's City are masters of fouling higher up the pitch.