Scott Twine: Bristol City’s set-piece king on his free-kick speciality

Twine, 25, joined Bristol City on a permanent deal this summer from Burnley, having spent the second part of 2023-24 campaign on loan at Ashton Gate.

He began his career at Swindon Town, before moving to Newport County on loan and MK Dons permanently in 2021. He joined Burnley in 2023 and also had a spell on loan at Hull City in the first half of last season.

Since 2019-20 Twine has the best record of any player across the top four tiers of English football according to Opta, with his 15 direct free-kick goals from 118 free-kick shots having a conversion rate of 12.7%.

West Ham’s James Ward-Prowse – often given the title of English football’s top set-piece specialist – sits below Twine with 13 goals from 103 free-kick shots at 12.6%.

When looking at the Championship specifically, Twine’s conversion rate is even higher.

Since 2013-14 he has scored six goals from 36 free-kick shots, at a conversion rate of 16.7% – the highest in the division.

It puts him level with former Charlton and Bournemouth striker Yann Kermorgant who scored five free-kicks from 30 shots.

“He’s a phenomenal ball striker,” said George Elek, of the Not The Top 20 podcast., external

“His set-piece delivery and scoring ability is so good but he’s a creative player – he’s someone in open play who can unlock defences.

“I’d say it’s no coincidence that Bristol City have found a way to break teams down with him in the side.”