The Bundesliga YouTube channel released a video today counting down the top 10 free kicks of the 2017-18 season, and it’s certainly worth a watch if you’ve got five minutes to spare. If not (or if you just want to see the choicest cuts of the bunch), here are the top three free kicks from the video.
They’re certainly a level above the rest of the competition, and I’m struggling to comprehend how Wolfsburg’s Max Arnold isn’t number one — James’ sumptuous effort was a thing of beauty, but Arnold’s strike was a thing of true wonder.
It probably has something to do with James’ immense popularity, but Hakuna Matata. You’ll still get a kick out of watching all three.
Best Bundesliga Free Kicks
#3. Naldo (FC Schalke 04)
At No. 3, it’s 35-year-old Brazilian Naldo. The central defender has a foot like a hammer, and he employed it like compatriot Roberto Carlos on this thunderous strike. This baby was clocked at 78 miles per hour, a frightening pace that probably could’ve eviscerated Roman Burki in net.
#2. Maximilian Arnold (VfL Wolfsburg)
Upon first viewing this heinous wallop, your initial instinct is to know — 100 percent — that it took a deflection off the wall. That’s the only reasonable explanation for the trajectory on this set piece.
Except it didn’t. It’s just a gobsmacking goal from Arnold, and what’s more, the ball nutmegs the keeper on its way back out. That’s sweet, sweet, sweet victory … yeah.
#1. James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich)
My esteemed writing colleague Travis Yoesting said this James Rodriguez free kick was “as delicate as a German shepherd picking up a kitten by its head,” and man was he right in that assessment.
It’s a two-step run-up from the Colombian before a little left-footed pitching wedge sends the ball fluttering just under the crossbar and into the top-left corner. That's how babies are born.
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