King of the Free Kicks - David Beckham

The Dead-Ball Specialist - Can you bend it like Beckham?

David Beckham was the king of free kicks. He has a wonderful way of striking a dead ball that makes it swerve and dip through the air resulting in a shot that is impossible for the goalkeeper to stop. Watch closely how he raises his left arm in a windmill type action whilst he leans over and strikes through the ball using a combination of his laces and the inside of his boot. After you have watched the video of all his freekicks take a look at the other video which shows you exactly how to do it. Once you have studied his technique, see if you can do it the same way when you go out to practise against a wall. If you can teach yourself to shoot like he does you will soon be scoring loads of goals and be a valuable member to any team.

Everyone Loves Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi - The Best in the World?

Lionel Messi! The name alone must send chills down the spines of any defender unlucky enough to come face to face with him because he has made some of the best defenders in the world look like they should be playing for Rubishchester United!

After being beaten 4-1 by Barcelona in last season's Champion's League, Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger said of the 23 year-old "Once he's on the run, Messi is unstoppable. He's the only player who can change direction at such a pace. He is the best player in the world by some distance. He's like a PlayStation. He can take advantage of every mistake we make."

But if Wengers's words aren't enough to convince you, perhaps the statistics from the season so far will show just how magic he is on a football pitch. So far, this season he has made 43 appearances and scored 45 goals - that's more than one goal in every game and he is playing regularly against the best defenders in world football. On top of that he has made 21 assists, earns 8.1 Million pounds a year and if anyone wanted to buy him they would have to pay Barcelona £220 Million Pounds! Wow!

The best thing about it all is he is also a really nice guy. He doesn't get stroppy or swear into cameras, he plays with a big smile on his face and just loves to kick a football - a gentleman and a role model one might say!

Here is a great video showing a few of those magical dribbles and goals...