I think the only direct free kick he has put on net was from an acute angle, an inside of the foot curler. None of the knuckle ball style kicks has gone on net. Given that this technique supposedly relies upon the seams of the ball catching resistance to produce dip and movement, I wonder whether it's a difference in the ball. I'm probably clutching at straws.
Hey, we've got 6 months to clutch at straws or our balls at this point. I'm going with balls.
Yeh I think the knuckle frees have been the only disappointment. His overall domination of midfield affairs is subtle but has been an absolute pleasure to witness.
I hope you're not counting my speculation about his free kicks in that 40%. He's still crucial for me.
Absolutely. What a complete and utter hovel. They can't tear down that shack soon enough. And whoever described the field as a sponge was right on the money.
Hope I'm not included in that 40% as well. Pirlo has been a soccer hero of mine long before he joined, have an arsenal of NYCFC Pirlo t-shirts, and I think he's hugely important to our success next year. I may even cry real tears if he left us. I was simply noting the fact that he has been more field goal kicker than Maestro on his direct kicks since he joined and, given that, it may have been preferable to have Villa take them while he was in a rut given our margin for error and the need to exploit every edge. It could have been the difference in DC. This is a DC post-game thread, and his direct kicks in that game are a legitimate point of conversation. I'm sure Pirlo's kicks will be an immense asset next season.
