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Ryan Benson

@rbenson92.bsky.social
1.2K followers 257 following 94 posts

Data Journalist at Opta Analyst ⚽📊 | Reporter at two World Cups 🇷🇺🇶🇦 | Enjoyer of rock music and beer 🎸🍻 |📍 West Yorkshire theanalyst.com/author/ryan-benson

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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
England could win the World Cup and Thierry Henry going full Ben Wyatt at Alexi Lalas saying "full-kit wanker" on live TV would still probably be my favourite moment of the tournament.
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 03/06/2026
Pick specific World Cups from the timeline in the left margin, or scroll through them all, including a look ahead to the 2026 edition. For the optimal user experience we recommend 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐩. 🛠️ @petermckeever.bsky.social ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/wor...
theanalyst.com
History of the FIFA World Cup: Journey Through Time With the Opta Analyst Interactive Atlas | Opta Analyst
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, brush up on your tournament history (and geography) with our interactive World Cup Atlas. Map fans, unite!
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
bizarre, from everyone involved
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BeardedGenius @beardedgenius.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Jose Mourinho an absolute disgrace with his victim blaming of Vinicius Junior. I'll also just point that out that Mark Clattenburg on Prime commentary said "[Vinicius] made this situation very, very difficult" 🤔
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Grim.
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 29/01/2026
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐫 Bournemouth's latest rough diamond is Rayan. A £25m signing from Vasco, he'd already been hailed "the most complete striker in Brazil" at the age of 19. But what specifically alerted Bournemouth to him? ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/ray...
theanalyst.com
More Adriano Than Neymar: Understanding Rayan, Bournemouth’s Latest Rough Diamond | Opta Analyst
Bournemouth are preparing to unleash their latest prospect after signing him from Vasco da Gama to replace Antoine Semenyo. But why is Rayan so highly rated?
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Ruben Amorim's last day on the job:
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Mason Mount's best game for United. So good.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
This has been absolutely pitiful from United. Wolves dreadful but United just don't look interested. Cunha and Mbeumo probably the worst of the bunch.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Peter Drury said "parish". Everyone drink.
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 03/12/2025
𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐔𝐭𝐝: 𝐒𝐞𝐭-𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬?! It wasn't so long ago that Man Utd were one of the least-inspiring sides in the Premier League when it came to attacking set-pieces. Now, they're one of the most effective. How? ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/man...
theanalyst.com
‘Good Artists Copy, Great Artists Steal’: How Ruben Amorim Turned Man Utd Into Set-Piece Specialists | Opta Analyst
Under Erik ten Hag, Man Utd were one of the least-inspiring teams in the Premier League at set-pieces. Things have changed since Ruben Amorim arrived.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
United's resilience makes a nice change though. Four games in a row that they've scored in 81st minute or later, three of them result-altering goals.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
United appalling in the second half. So passive and unimaginative in attack... But defeat would've been harsh.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Really enjoyable story to work on, and great to speak to some of the people involved.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Unfortunately Harry Maguire's winner has been ruined as I've seen non-Americans referring to it as "clutch". A real shame 😞
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Bi*Witched
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 12/09/2025
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐱𝐆 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 Periodically through the 2025-26 Premier League season, we'll delve into Opta's xG-powered metrics to go beyond goals, assists and clean sheets. Who's excelling? Who isn't? Which teams have been lucky? Which have been unlucky? The xG Files are open... theanalyst.com/articles/the...
theanalyst.com
The xG Files: Investigating the Premier League's Early-Season Outliers | Opta Analyst
After the first three matchdays of the 2025-26 Premier League season, we open The xG Files to break down the numbers behind the early performers.
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Press Gazette @pressgazette.co.uk · 11/09/2025
Well done to @optaanalyst.optajoe.com named Website of the Year (Specialist/B2B) for 2025! #FutureMediaAwards sponsored by Stibo DX
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Only five clubs in the top five leagues didn't pay a single transfer fee during the summer window (according to Transfermarkt): Heidenheim, Le Havre, Angers, Genoa and Sevilla. The absolute state of Sevilla's window:
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 29/08/2025
𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞: 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Stuttgart's giant of a centre-forward, Nick Woltemade. But don't let his enormous frame trick you into thinking he's a certain type of forward. ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/nic...
theanalyst.com
Newcastle's Coup: Silky Giant Nick Woltemade Is a Reminder to Not Judge a Book by Its Cover | Opta Analyst
Newcastle are close to signing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. Coveted by Bayern Munich, the Germany international's arrival would be an exciting addition.
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 16/08/2025
𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬 He'll need to do more than tame Wolves to be truly anointed Kevin De Bruyne's heir at Manchester City. But Tijjani Reijnders' Premier League debut couldn't have been much better as the Dutchman produced a classy showing. ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/wol...
theanalyst.com
Wolves 0-4 Man City Stats: Inspirational Reijnders Steps Into De Bruyne’s Shoes on Classy Debut | Opta Analyst
Tijjani Reijnders stole the show on his Manchester City debut. See how he played a vital role in a big win at Molineux with our Wolves vs Man City stats page.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
well done if you're still with me. This was my favourite piece of the summer, looking into the explosion of Scandinavian centre-forwards, speaking to experts who've worked extensively in the region. theanalyst.com/articles/sca...
theanalyst.com
How Scandinavia Became the Centre-Forward Capital of Men's Football | Opta Analyst
There's a school of thought that the number nine is "dying out", but Norway, Sweden and Denmark are doing their best as conservationists.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
... and Manchester City. theanalyst.com/articles/man...
theanalyst.com
Man City 2025-26 Preview: Five Key Questions Ahead of the New Season | Opta Analyst
The Premier League returns for the 2025-26 season this week. Ahead of the action commencing, we focus on Manchester City and their bid to regain the title.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
With another Man Utd rebuild/transition/renaissance in progress, I posed five key questions for them over 2025-26. theanalyst.com/articles/man...
theanalyst.com
Man Utd 2025-26 Preview: Five Key Questions Ahead of the New Season | Opta Analyst
The Premier League returns for the 2025-26 season this week. Ahead of the action commencing, we focus on Manchester United and their latest rebuild.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Here, the team collaborated to pick one potential breakout player for every Premier League club this season. theanalyst.com/articles/pre...
theanalyst.com
One Potential Breakout Star for Each Premier League Team in 2025-26 | Opta Analyst
Ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season, we picked one youngster from each club who could make a name for themselves in the next 12 months.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Beginning of the end for Nick Pope? Went deep on Aaron Ramsdale and Pope here, with a particular focus on their passing habits using various Opta Vision metrics. You might be hearing quite a bit about Opta Vision this season... theanalyst.com/articles/new...
theanalyst.com
Aaron Ramsdale's Newcastle Arrival Could Be Beginning of the End for Nick Pope | Opta Analyst
Newcastle hope to sign Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton. But they already have a good goalkeeper in Nick Pope, so what's behind this move?
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Players we're excited to watch in 2025-26 @alitweedale.bsky.social and I picked some... well yeah, the above and the title pretty much tell you what this is about... theanalyst.com/articles/pre...
theanalyst.com
Eight Premier League Players We’re Excited to Watch in 2025-26 | Opta Analyst
The new Premier League season is very nearly here, and we're pumped for it to start. With that in mind, we've selected eight players we're particularly looking forward to watching.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Martín Zubimendi "a very interesting statistical analysis of Zubimendi's game" - not my words, the words of Sid Lowe on Twitter. So yeah 👍 theanalyst.com/articles/mar...
theanalyst.com
Martín Zubimendi Could be the Key to Arsenal Freeing up Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard | Opta Analyst
Arsenal have completed the signing of Spain midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Here, we analyse why he could be a shrewd acquisition by the Gunners.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
'Like a new signing' Here, we picked out a bunch of players who missed a lot (or all) of last season that we're looking forward to watching in 2025-26. theanalyst.com/articles/lik...
theanalyst.com
'Like A New Signing': Returning Premier League Players Who Could Star in 2025-26 | Opta Analyst
Ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season, we've identified eight players returning from injuries or loans who could be "like a new signing" to their team.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Which European leagues and clubs put most faith in young players? Sifting through all the numbers for this was fun and it includes some nice viz courtesy of Robbie Dunne and Jon Manuel. theanalyst.com/articles/you...
theanalyst.com
Which European Leagues and Clubs Put Most Faith in Young Players? | Opta Analyst
Ever wondered how attitudes and priorities relating to young players vary across Europe? Well, wonder no longer...
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Seems I've picked up about 90 followers in the past 24 hours. So, firstly, hiya. Secondly, in the interest of appeasing the fans and acknowledging the start of the Premier League today, this is a thread of some pieces I've particularly enjoyed working on for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com recently...
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 19/07/2025
𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 Ever wondered which leagues and clubs put the most faith in young players? Well, @rbenson92.bsky.social has an article for that... 🏆 Youthful champions 🛣️ Consistent route to first team 🏡 Homegrown lifelines 👴 Experience preference ⬇️ theanalyst.com/articles/you...
theanalyst.com
Which European Leagues and Clubs Put Most Faith in Young Players? | Opta Analyst
Ever wondered how attitudes and priorities relating to young players vary across Europe? Well, wonder no longer...
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 16/07/2025
𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞-𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 🔓 "Freedom" 🧬 Genetics ⚖️ Socio-economic factors 🧠 'Vision' After Scandinavian players scored more goals than ever (on record) in 2024-25, @rbenson92.bsky.social explored how they are developing youngsters in the region... ⬇️ theanalyst.com/articles/sca...
theanalyst.com
How Scandinavia Became the Centre-Forward Capital of Men's Football | Opta Analyst
There's a school of thought that the number nine is "dying out", but Norway, Sweden and Denmark are doing their best as conservationists.
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 25/06/2025
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐎𝐮𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 💎 Although a potential move to Crystal Palace has gone quiet, Diomande remains a hot topic. Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle have all been linked with the Sporting CP defender - but why? ✍️ @rbenson92.bsky.social theanalyst.com/articles/ous...
theanalyst.com
Why Ousmane Diomande Is Among Europe’s Most-Coveted Centre-Backs This Summer | Opta Analyst
Ousmane Diomande is being linked with numerous Premier League clubs this summer. Here, we look at what he'll offer if he does arrive on English shores.
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 12/06/2025
𝐙𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐝? Simple, unflashy and selfless. Martín Zubimendi may not bring attacking flair to Arsenal. But his arrival could be pivotal in maximising the influence of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. theanalyst.com/articles/mar...
theanalyst.com
Martín Zubimendi Could be the Key to Arsenal Freeing up Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard | Opta Analyst
Arsenal are supposedly close to signing Spain midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Here, we analyse why he could be a shrewd acquisition by the Gunners.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
Is there a more damning indictment in football than the referee allowing only 6 seconds of stoppage time?
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Right, then say they go spend a similar amount of money on two players who go on to be abject disappointments. What good's the £80m then? Fernandes being good is far more of a sure thing than we can say of any replacements.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
This. How can anyone have any faith that United get £80m and then spend it all well? There's absolutely no evidence to suggest they would, and then you're also without your one genuine star who the team should be built around.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Why has "club-to-club talks" become such a thing? What's wrong with "talks" by itself?
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
I had a teacher in high school who said our exam papers were being sent off to be marked in Pontefract, north Wales. Admittedly he was Italian, but still.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Lads, it's Man Utd.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Why don't players get booked for diving anymore?
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Mark Clattenburg in embarrassing form here. Love to see (hear) it.
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 03/05/2025
Jamie Vardy becomes first Premier League player to blow the referee's whistle... probably. 📸Alex Pantling | Getty
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 02/05/2025
𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬: Vítor Pereira's the Toast of Wolves 🍻 Since he took over, only Liverpool and Newcastle have won more Premier League games. Pereira's overseen arguably the most remarkable upturn in form by a relegation-threatened team in PL history. ⬇️ theanalyst.com/2025/05/vito...
theanalyst.com
Points Then Pints: Vítor Pereira is the Toast of Wolves After Overseeing Remarkable Transformation | Opta Analyst
Vítor Pereira has overseen an incredible change in fortunes for Wolves. Here, we analyse what specifically is different and the extent of their improvement.
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 28/04/2025
𝐀𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐬 𝐏𝐒𝐆: Six Key Subplots 😩 Busy left-backs 🎮 PSG's control 🟥 Arsenal's absence 🔬 Goalkeepers under the microscope Ahead of Tuesday's UCL semi-final first leg, @alitweedale.bsky.social & @rbenson92.bsky.social analysed potentially decisive areas/battles ⬇️ theanalyst.com/2025/04/arse...
theanalyst.com
Arsenal vs PSG: Six Semi-Final Subplots That Could Decide the Tie | Opta Analyst
We look ahead Arsenal vs PSG in the Champions League by identifying some key elements to keep an eye on across their semi-final.
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Ryan Benson @rbenson92.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Wrote about Jørgen Strand Larsen this week. He's had a really encouraging first season and could get even better if Wolves play to his strengths more.
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Opta Analyst @optaanalyst.optajoe.com · 18/04/2025
𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐭-𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬? There has been a lot of discussion around set-pieces this season, so @rbenson92.bsky.social has investigated which Premier League teams have been most effective from them in 2024-25. ⬇️ theanalyst.com/2025/04/prem...
theanalyst.com
Which Premier League Teams Are Most Dangerous from Set-Pieces? | Opta Analyst
With this season's Premier League entering its final stages, we look back over 2024-25 to date and see who've been the most threatening teams at set-pieces.
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