David Alaba explains how he became so good at taking free-kicks | OneFootball

David Alaba scored the ninth free-kick of his career in the 45th minute of Bayern’s 6-1 rout over Mainz last weekend.

In a recent interview with the Bundesliga’s official website, he gave credit where credit is due.

“I started working on my free-kicks from a young age. Mehmet Scholl was my coach in the reserve team, and he made a lot of time for me. He really helped me refine my technique.”

Of course, Scholl was one of Bayern’s most legendary free-kick takers, scoring at least 13 of his 98 Bundesliga strikes in that fashion. Official records weren’t kept until 1993, when he had already bagged 16 Bundesliga goals.

Alaba isn’t the only one at Bayern that can hit a peach of a set-piece.

Bayern’s regular spot-kick taker, Robert Lewandowski, smashed one from 25 yards out during Bayern’s 3-0 win over Schalke, where the Polish international scored all three goals.

In the same interview, Alaba explained that was no accident.

“Lewy and I often stay out on the pitch during the week, practising free-kicks,” explained the 27-year-old.

“Twenty minutes at least – sometimes half-an-hour.

“I’m glad he scored one against Schalke, and I’m happy it worked out for me against Mainz.”

Bayern will have a hell of a task on their hands after the international break, as they return to play on 14 September with an away clash against top of the table Red Bull Leipzig.