James Tavernier Leads Israeli League in Free-Kick Goals

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 three players on the list: Eliel Peretz, Guy Badash, and Omri Altman, all with three goals each. The article explores whether Tavernier's success is due to his individual skill or a shift in team tactics.

The analysis, based on data from the 2019/20 season onwards, highlights a significant decline in free-kick goals across the league. The all-time record holder, Itzik Zohar, scored 39 free-kick goals over 12 seasons, averaging over three per season. In contrast, only nine players scored from free kicks during the entire previous season, with one player scoring twice. This trend is attributed to changes in the game, including the rise of expected goals (xG) theory, which favors creating higher-percentage scoring opportunities closer to the goal, often through set-piece routines or crosses rather than direct shots from distance.

Modern tactics, influenced by xG, suggest that teams often prefer to play the ball into the box from free kicks, increasing the overall chance of scoring through headers or rebounds. Players like Yarden Shua and Stav Touriyal, who took the most free kicks last season, attempted fewer shots on goal compared to the number of free kicks taken, often opting for crosses. This approach benefits teams like Maccabi Tel Aviv, which have players adept at converting set pieces in the penalty area.

While Tavernier's goal-scoring prowess from free kicks is acknowledged, the article suggests his role may evolve. Given Maccabi Tel Aviv's tactical preferences and the different style of play compared to Scotland, Tavernier might be utilized more for his assisting capabilities from free kicks rather than solely for direct goal attempts. His ability to deliver crosses effectively, as demonstrated by assists to teammates, could become a more prominent aspect of his contribution to the team's offense, especially with the team's offensive movements expected to be a key factor in the upcoming seasons.