Stats show Juan Mata is the greatest Premier League free-kick taker of all time

Mata has the best conversion rate. Credit: PA

The Premier League has had its share of renowned dead-ball specialists down the years, with the likes of David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Leighton Baines among them.

However, none of that trio are in the top three most clinical players in the last 14 years when it comes to scoring direct from free-kicks.

Instead, top of the pile is Manchester United's Juan Mata who, based on official Premier League data analysed by Press Association Sport, has been the deadliest set-piece exponent during that period.

The Spain international has scored five of his 28 attempts, giving him a conversion rate of 17.9 per cent - almost treble the success rate of Everton ace Baines, who is ninth on our list with 6.6 per cent (five goals from 76 shots).

Lampard is also outside the top 10. Credit: PA

The highest number of free-kick goals scored in the last 14 years goes to former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry with 12 (8.3 per cent), but it must be noted that he, along with the likes of third-placed Beckham (five goals at 9.3 per cent), were also playing top-flight football before the 2001/02 season.

Top 10 Premier League players, based on conversion rate, with 5+ goals scored directly from free-kicks since start of 2001/02 season:

Top 10

  • Juan Mata: Shots 28, Goals 5, Conversion 17.9 (per cent)

  • Sebastian Larsson: 90, 11, 12.2.

  • Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: 62, 6, 9.7.

  • David Beckham: 54, 5, 9.3.

  • Nolberto Solano: 78, 7, 9.0.

  • Thierry Henry: 144, 12, 8.3.

  • Danny Murphy: 67, 5, 7.5.

  • Ryan Giggs: 73, 5, 6.8.

  • Leighton Baines: 76, 5, 6.6.

  • Laurent Robert: 154, 10, 6.5.

Henry is the top scorer from set pieces with 12. Credit: PA

Selected others:

  • Cristiano Ronaldo: 164, 10, 6.1.

  • Steven Gerrard: 102, 6, 5.9.

  • Frank Lampard: 175, 7, 4.0.