James Tavernier Leads as Top Free-Kick Scorer in Israeli League

Maccabi Tel Aviv defender James Tavernier has emerged as the top free-kick scorer in the Israeli Premier League since the 2019-20 season, netting nine goals. This tally surpasses the combined total of the next two highest scorers, Eliel Peretz and Guy Badash, who each have three goals. The article explores whether Tavernier's success is due to his individual skill or a shift in team tactics.

Data from the 2019-20 season onwards shows Tavernier leading active players with nine free-kick goals. Other notable scorers include Eliel Peretz, Guy Badash, and Omri Altman, all with three goals. The article notes that the all-time record for free-kick goals in the league, held by Itzik Zohar with 39 goals over 12 seasons, is likely unbreakable due to changes in the game.

Modern football analytics, particularly Expected Goals (xG), suggest teams increasingly favor set-piece routines that aim for a better chance of scoring from within the box or a cross, rather than direct shots from distance. The average free-kick from 25 meters has only a 4-6% chance of going in, according to xG theory. This shift is reflected in the declining number of players scoring directly from free kicks; only nine players scored from free kicks in the entire league last season, with one scoring twice.

Players like Yarden Shua and Stav Turi'al, who took many free kicks, often opted for crosses or passes rather than direct shots. Shua took 72 free kicks last season, with only six aimed at goal, and one on target. Turi'al, the only player to score twice from free kicks last season, took six shots on goal from 63 attempts. This strategy aligns with Maccabi Tel Aviv's strength in converting set pieces within the penalty area.

While Tavernier's nine free-kick goals are impressive, the article suggests his role might evolve. Given Maccabi Tel Aviv's tactical approach and the presence of players adept at finishing crosses, Tavernier may be tasked more with assisting than scoring directly from free kicks. The team's strategy, influenced by xG principles, prioritizes creating high-percentage scoring opportunities, potentially leading to more assists from Tavernier rather than direct goals, especially as he is expected to have less freedom to shoot directly compared to his time in Scotland.