Don’t foul in the wrong area
The placement of the free-kick makes a huge difference even to a specialist like Dimitri Payet. If it’s straight onto the goal, it’s easier for the goalkeeper because you know he will always go for the wall and try to get it up and down. The problem is at an angle, because he has a bit longer to get the ball up and down. The free-kick at 19 yards I don’t think Payet would score. Anything too close is difficult. They usually need at least 20 yards to the point they are hoping to hit. The ideal distance is more or less where Payet was against Crystal Palace last weekend. From anywhere that is at an angle – and anything up to four yards outside the post – you are in real danger.
Guide to stopping a Payet free kick: make the sign of the cross and pray. lol 😉