Gareth Bale snubs David Beckham as he names West Ham flop as best free-kick taker
David Beckham was one of the most prolific free-kick takers of his generation during his time with Manchester United but ex-Tottenham star Gareth Bale does not believe he is the best of all time
by Daniel Orme · The MirrorGareth Bale has named James Ward-Prowse as the Premier League’s best ever free-kick taker - instead of David Beckham.
The Welshman - who was also no stranger to finding the top corner from a dead ball during his playing days - was given the task of naming the Premier League’s best of all time. He was given the option of various iconic figures including Beckham, Chelsea hero Didier Drogba and even Arsenal’s Thierry Henry.
But Bale was not for budging after claiming that Ward-Prowse stood above the rest. Speaking to Mail Online, he said: “I’d probably go James Ward-Prowse to be honest with you.
He was then asked: “Ward-Prowse or Didier Drogba?,” to which Bale replied: “Ward-Prowse”. Henry was then suggested as an option but the Welshman stuck to his guns.
The final option given to Bale was United icon Beckham, but Bale again stuck with former Southampton midfielder Ward-Prowse. He said: “I’d probably go with James Ward-Prowse actually.”
Ward-Prowse has so far netted 17 free-kicks in his Premier League career - the vast majority of those coming for boyhood club Southampton. The midfielder left St Mary’s in 2023 following the Saints’ relegation in a £30m move to West Ham.
He scored seven times across his debut campaign in London but was surprisingly allowed to join Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest on loan this summer. He has since made three Premier League appearances for the Midlands side.
Ward-Prowse has regularly admitted that he is eyeing Beckham’s Premier League record of 18 free-kick goals. Speaking to talkSPORT, he added: "I think it's starting to take more thought in my head.
Who do you think is the best free-kick taker in Premier Leaue history? Share your thoughts in the comments below
"The closer I get, I am aware of it. You are probably going to expect me to say but I want the team to do well. I want that to come first and the personal accolades come last."
Ward-Prowse’s current side Nottingham Forest slumped to defeat in their most recent Premier League outing. They were condemned to a 1-0 reverse against Fulham thanks to Raul Jimenez’s penalty.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will be aiming to respond next weekend. They travel to Stamford Bridge next Sunday for a showdown with Chelsea.
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