James Ward-Prowse is almost certainly the best free-kick taker in the world.Just ask the FIFA video games series, because they gave the Southampton captain a rating of 94 for their latest edition that saw him deemed to be the finest free-kick specialist of all, above even the great Lionel Messi (93).Marry that to the fact that he's hunting down David Beckham's record for the most free-kick goals in Premier League history and it really is starting to feel as though he takes set-pieces from outside the box like they're penalties.
How good is 'ChrisMD' at free-kicks?
So, bearing that in mind, you'd think that Ward-Prowse would have absolutely zero problems when it came to dispatching a YouTuber, right?
Well, maybe things aren't quite that simple because 'ChrisMD' somewhat fancies himself when it comes to free-kicks, making some big claims about his talents in the past.
In fact, during an appearance on the Pitch Side podcast in 2021, the YouTube favourite boldly claimed: "I think I'm better at free-kicks than a lot of professional footballers."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton scores the team's second goal from a free kick during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on January 14, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Now, it's a claim that sounds a lot more outrageous at first glance than it actually is because although 'ChrisMD' obviously isn't as good as a professional footballer, there's perhaps reason to believe that he does practice free-kicks a lot more than some of them.
Anyone who's watched Chris Dixon's content before would at least entertain the idea that he's fired more long-range set-pieces at goal than, say, Joel Matip or Cesar Azpilicueta.
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'ChrisMD' vs Ward-Prowse: Who is better at free-kicks?
But just to eliminate any doubt, 'ChrisMD' did actually decide to test his free-kick taking skills against increasingly difficult levels of footballers from Sunday League to, um, Mr. Ward-Prowse.
In a thoroughly entertaining video that you can check out down below, the five-million-subscriber creator faced off opposition from Hashtag United and Wrexham before a fascinating showdown with the free-kick taker to rule them all.
Obviously, the battle had to take place on a random 3G pitch as opposed to under the floodlights at St. Mary's Stadium, but it was nevertheless an engrossing experiment to behold.
Video: 'ChrisMD' takes on Ward-Prowse in free-kick showdown
A couple of things: fair play to 'ChrisMD' for being so lethal from free-kicks and kudos to Ward-Prowse for being such a good sport on his time off.
Ward-Prowse also chipped in with some great little anecdotes about how he only practises five or six free-kicks a day and how his iconic thunderbolt against Wolverhampton Wanderers was a 'pure head loss' where he basically just went for broke.
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'ChrisMD' vs Ward-Prowse: Who won?
In the end, there wasn't to be an official winner with Ward-Prowse ultimately wanting to protect his groin, so you've got to applaud 'ChrisMD' for competing in any shape or form considering that he's not a professional player.
Now, of course, there are a very many caveats ranging from the fact that it didn't take place under match conditions, the goalkeeper seemed to perform better against Ward-Prowse's efforts and the Saints hero probably wasn't putting his body on the line by giving 110%.
Well, that and the fact that 'ChrisMD' gave himself a cheeky extra life at the end there...
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton takes a free kick during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton FC at Villa Park on September 16, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
However, still, let's give the lad some credit here, because we are ultimately taking about an online content creator as opposed to another skipper of a Premier League side.
Maybe his assertion about his free-kick skills isn't so questionable after all.
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