Most set-piece assists in Premier League history – ranked
Set-pieces have always been a vital weapon in English football, capable of deciding tight games and defining careers. From curling corners to precise free-kicks, these players mastered the art of delivery. According to OptaAnalyst, here are the top ten Premier League players with the most assists from set-pieces — ranked from tenth to first.
=9. Kevin De Bruyne – 23 Assists
Kevin De Bruyne’s inclusion on this list speaks volumes about his consistency and precision from dead-ball situations. The Belgian maestro has been Manchester City’s creative heartbeat for years, with his technique and vision making him one of the best passers of his generation. His whipped deliveries from corners and free-kicks have often been impossible to defend, creating countless chances for the likes of Erling Haaland and Sergio Agüero. De Bruyne’s numbers are still growing, and few would bet against him climbing even higher before he hangs up his boots.
=9. Darren Anderton – 23 Assists
A player often forgotten in modern discussions, Darren Anderton was a steady and intelligent winger during his time with Tottenham Hotspur. Known for his pinpoint crossing ability, Anderton regularly punished defences from corners and free-kicks. Despite injuries hampering parts of his career, his technical quality was undeniable. His inclusion here underlines how effective he was from set-pieces during the Premier League’s formative years.
=7. Ryan Giggs – 26 Assists
Ryan Giggs’ longevity and creativity made him one of the most reliable playmakers in Premier League history. While he is best remembered for his mazy dribbles and bursting runs, Giggs was also a master of set-piece delivery. His left-footed crosses often found towering teammates like Nemanja Vidić and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Few players combined flair and consistency as well as Giggs, whose impact from dead balls was as important as his open-play contributions.
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=7. Frank Lampard – 26 Assists
Frank Lampard’s intelligence and precision made him just as effective from set-pieces as he was in open play. As Chelsea’s long-time midfield general, Lampard delivered corners and free-kicks with trademark composure. His understanding of movement inside the box often allowed him to pick out teammates perfectly, leading to vital goals in title races. Beyond his assists, Lampard’s leadership and tactical mind helped set the tone for Chelsea’s golden era.
6. Matt Le Tissier – 28 Assists
Matt Le Tissier was one of the Premier League’s most gifted technicians, blessed with extraordinary control and vision. His set-piece delivery was a thing of beauty, often bending the ball into dangerous areas that defenders dreaded. Playing for Southampton, Le Tissier’s ability to turn dead-ball moments into goalscoring chances kept his team competitive against stronger opponents. His flair and calmness under pressure made him a true cult hero of English football.
=4. Steven Gerrard – 29 Assists
Steven Gerrard was a complete midfielder whose influence stretched across every part of the pitch — including set-pieces. His powerful deliveries, whether from corners or wide free-kicks, were a nightmare for goalkeepers. Gerrard’s leadership and determination translated into his dead-ball technique, producing crucial assists in Liverpool’s biggest matches. His energy, precision, and will to win made him one of the most feared set-piece takers of his time.
=4. Christian Eriksen – 29 Assists
Christian Eriksen’s creativity and elegance have been hallmarks of his Premier League career. The Danish playmaker has always possessed a unique ability to deliver balls into perfect areas, whether for Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, or Manchester United. His vision and technique make him one of the most reliable set-piece specialists of the modern era. Even after his remarkable comeback from cardiac arrest, Eriksen continues to influence games with his intelligence and calm delivery.
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3. Cesc Fàbregas – 30 Assists
Cesc Fàbregas’ ability to dictate tempo and find teammates with surgical precision made him one of the Premier League’s finest creators. His corners and free-kicks were consistently dangerous, often landing right on the head of a teammate. Across spells at Arsenal and Chelsea, the Spaniard’s passing mastery translated perfectly into set-piece situations. Fàbregas combined flair with efficiency, proving that technical brilliance could dominate even in England’s physical league.
2. James Ward-Prowse – 31 Assists
James Ward-Prowse has built his entire reputation around being one of the most lethal set-piece takers in the world. His free-kicks and corners are delivered with incredible precision and power, earning comparisons to greats like Beckham. Whether at Southampton or now at West Ham United, Ward-Prowse’s right foot remains his greatest weapon. His rise to second on this list is no coincidence — he’s one of the few players who can turn any dead-ball into a goal threat.
1. Chris Brunt – 33 Assists
At the top of the list stands Chris Brunt — a name that may surprise many but deserves every bit of recognition. The West Bromwich Albion legend was a master of consistency, delivering precise crosses and corners throughout his Premier League career. His left foot became a trademark weapon for the Baggies, contributing directly to their survival and occasional giant-killings. Brunt’s 33 assists from set-pieces underline his quiet brilliance — a reminder that even outside the top clubs, true specialists can leave a lasting legacy.
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