Statistical proof that Juan Mata is better than Cristiano Ronaldo at free-kicks

He might be one of the greatest players to ever grace a football field, but Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have lost his ability to score free-kicks.

Real Madrid’s talisman has had an abysmal time taking free-kicks recently. Ronaldo, who shares the set-piece duties at Madrid with Gareth Bale has been often criticised for his unusual free-kick taking technique that, according to his stats, no longer works.

Spanish football statistician Mr Chips has crunched the numbers and it turns out that Ronaldo has failed to score from his last 50 direct free-kick attempts. I know what you’re thinking, zero from 50 isn’t that bad of a return. However, 21 of them were blocked and 13 of them missed the target completely.

To put that into perspective, Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has bagged five goals from his first 28 free-kicks in the Premier League.

Last 50 direct free kicks taken by Crisitano:

> 21 blocked
> 13 out
> 16 saved by keeper or woodwork

And ZERO goals.

— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) March 1, 2015

Despite not having the best time with set-pieces of late, it is important to note that this year’s Ballon d’Or winner is still a phenomenal player. Ronaldo has managed to bag himself 30 La Liga goals so far this season and has also scored 55 of his last 60 penalties for Madrid.

Hat-tip to Who Ate All the Pies

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