Isak Jensen, inspired by Gareth Bale, currently leads the charts across Europe for direct free-kick goals this season. The 21-year-old winger from Viborg is looking to increase his tally when Viborg takes on Lyngby in the Danish Superliga today.
What sets Jensen apart is that no other player in Europe’s top 16 leagues has managed to score three direct free-kicks this season. This young winger has rapidly gained recognition in Denmark for his free-kick prowess and is eager to contribute further to his goal count as Viborg aims for qualification in European club competitions.
Jensen’s technique is strikingly similar to that of the former Real Madrid and Tottenham sensation, Gareth Bale. Jensen has openly acknowledged that Bale is his primary inspiration:
“I started by watching Gareth Bale, and I thought it looked pretty cool. I wanted to learn how to execute a kick that swerves like that, so I’ve been practising. But it’s hard to pinpoint why I’m finding success right now,” Jensen shared with TV2 Sport.
He explains that the sensation he feels upon striking the ball instantly informs him of its chances of finding the back of the net.
“The way I approach the kick can make it look a bit silly because the ball might sail 40 metres over the goal, but I usually have a good sense right when I hit it,” Jensen added.
Jacob Poulsen, a former Danish international and current coach of Viborg, was renowned for his own free-kick abilities during his playing days and has expressed admiration for Jensen’s style.
“My hips are just too stiff to kick the ball the way Isak does. When you can pull off that kind of free-kick, you can impart a lot of topspin on the ball, and Isak has that skill. Even from a short distance, he can lift it over the wall and into the net. It’s a particularly challenging discipline, but he’s excelling at it right now, which is fantastic for both him and the team,” emphasised Jakob Poulsen.
Viborg will take on Lyngby today at 14:00 CET.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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