Practice the key behind my free kicks, says Suarez

The Uruguayan has netted three direct set-pieces in his last two games and says his new-found proficiency from dead-ball situations is down to work on the training ground

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez says practice is the secret behind his deadly accuracy from free kicks.

The former Ajax man has converted from three dead-ball situations in the last two games, with five for the season overall, having never scored from a direct set-piece before this season.

He attributes his new-found proficiency to hard work on the training ground as well as learning from specialists, like Steven Gerrard, at the club.

“I practice,” he told reporters. “Because it’s one skill that at one time I never really mastered and so I worked on it a bit.

“I think it just needed practice and you can also learn from watching players of the class of Steven and how he strikes the ball, as well as watching players from the past, it all helps.

“The more you practice, you grow in confidence, and it’s also a boost when your team-mates encourage you to have the confidence to shoot.”

The Uruguayan also revealed that Brendan Rodgers’ pre-match preparation also helps him to decide exactly what to do in free kick situations.

“The manager is really good at this preparation,” he continued.

“Before a game he shows the free-kick takers footage on dead-ball situations and that’s also important.

“Every player has his own particular skill and technique when taking a free kick but sometimes the free kick might be from a different position.

“You might have to study the keeper’s technique when making a save, the position of the wall, whether they jump in the wall, if the defenders are tall and if you can get the ball up and over them.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *