GabrielArsenal · DEF · set pieces
Last season's leading defender in this reviewed watchlist.
Last season's leading defender in this reviewed watchlist.
96evidence
Role watch · 23 July 2026
Set pieces: verify, then value.
This is a pre-season role watch—not a claim that every taker is confirmed. Penalties, corners and direct free-kicks matter only when the player is expected to start.
Players to investigate
Strongest role signals in the pool
Labels describe why the player is being monitored, not an official set-piece order.
Virgil van DijkLiverpool · DEF · set pieces
Played every league minute last season and adds set-piece threat.
Played every league minute last season and adds set-piece threat.
91evidence
Declan RiceArsenal · MID · set pieces
Set pieces and defensive contributions broaden his routes to points.
Set pieces and defensive contributions broaden his routes to points.
88evidence
Igor ThiagoBrentford · FWD · penalties
Twenty-two league goals last season, including eight penalties.
Twenty-two league goals last season, including eight penalties.
88evidence
Ollie WatkinsAston Villa · FWD · talisman
Reliable central role with assist as well as goal potential.
Reliable central role with assist as well as goal potential.
84evidence
Eberechi EzeCrystal Palace · MID · set pieces
Creative focal point with set-piece involvement.
Creative focal point with set-piece involvement.
82evidence
Jean-Philippe MatetaCrystal Palace · FWD · talisman
A focal-point forward suited to managers avoiding the premium tier.
A focal-point forward suited to managers avoiding the premium tier.
79evidence
Use competitive matches first, then final friendlies. One pre-season kick is not proof of a permanent hierarchy.
A second-choice taker with secure minutes can be more useful than a nominal specialist who may not start.
Transfers and coaching changes can reset corners, free-kicks and penalties immediately.