Gareth Bale names West Ham flop as best free-kick taker
- Gareth Bale named James Ward-Prowse as the best free-kick taker in Premier League history during an interview.
- Ward-Prowse has scored 17 free-kicks in his career, primarily for Southampton, and is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.
- Bale's choice highlights a growing recognition of current players over past legends in football discussions.
Gareth Bale recently expressed his opinion on the best free-kick taker in Premier League history, naming James Ward-Prowse over iconic players like David Beckham, Didier Drogba, and Thierry Henry. Bale highlighted Ward-Prowse's impressive record of 17 free-kick goals, primarily scored during his time at Southampton. After the club's relegation in 2023, Ward-Prowse transferred to West Ham for £30 million but was loaned to Nottingham Forest shortly after. Despite a promising start, Nottingham Forest faced a setback in their latest match against Fulham, losing 1-0. Ward-Prowse has openly stated his ambition to surpass Beckham's record of 18 free-kick goals, indicating that he is aware of the milestone as he continues his career in the Premier League. Bale's endorsement of Ward-Prowse as the best free-kick taker reflects a shift in recognition from traditional legends to current players, showcasing the evolving nature of football accolades.