Forget Becks, Dutch have real king of free-kicks

Ugur Yildirim is the world's No1 dead-ball specialist. The winger hopes to live up to that title when he makes his international debut against England tomorrow night.

While David Beckham's position as England captain is the subject of much debate, few would question his status as one of the world's finest dead-ball specialists. But is he the best? Judgment should be reserved until after tomorrow night, at least.

Ugur Yildirim hopes to mark his international debut against England at Villa Park with the kind of goal that brought him a title that even Beckham cannot match - the world's best free-kick taker.

The 22- year- o ld Dutchman beat allcomers, including Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane, to the honour in a competition held in Marbella late last year. Competitors struck shots from three different distances (18, 21 and 25metres), seeking to score past goalkeepers such as Spain No1 Santiago Canizares.

Yildirim came out on top, although Beckham and Roberto Carlos, who did not take part, might take issue with his claim to be the best in the world.

Like Beckham he places great emphasis on technique and not power, though it was Gheorghe Hagi who provided his inspiration. And at Go Ahead Eagles, where Yildirim's talent burgeoned, the hours spent watching Romania's most celebrated footballer on video began to pay off.

Former PSV Eindhoven striker Rene Eijkelkamp, who worked at the Dutch First Division side as a coach, recognised Yildirim's unique shooting prowess, and encouraged him to practise. It was sound advice that was to bring rewards as Yildirim scored 18 goals direct from free-kicks in his last two seasons at Go Ahead Eagles.

That feat did not go unnoticed and SC Heerenveen moved to sign the right-winger on a free transfer when his contract expired in the summer.

Others, however, retained doubts about a wide player who, unlike his compatriot Arjen Robben, lacked the pace and fluency needed to ghost past a defender.

However, Yildirim's record of 11 assists in 20 games this season - more than any other player in the Dutch Premiership - has silenced those who dared to question his ability. Furthermore, SC Heerenveen have scored more goals from headers than any other club in Holland's top flight, a statistic directly attributed to Yildirim's superb delivery from wide positions.

But, it is his phenomenal shooting, particularly from stationary positions, that has done most to augment his standing in Dutch football. Ironically he views his reliance on the inside of his foot, as opposed to the instep, as a weakness.

"Maybe I should try using other parts of my foot but I don't think I'm that good to do so," he said. "Wesley Sneijders is a guy who could hit the ball with any part of his foot but I can only use the inside."

That apparent restriction hasn't curtailed his success rate, and if the ball doesn't always travel over or around defensive walls with extreme pace then it carries more than enough swerve and dip to elude the world's best goalkeepers, something that Canizares would no doubt bear witness to.

However, Yildirim's ambitions extend well beyond winning free-kick competitions and tomorrow's appearance against England will be a defining moment in his career.

It is also likely to be a slightly contentious one given that Yildirim, who was born and raised in Holland but has Turkish parents, was undecided as to who he would represent until last week. However, much to Marco van Basten's delight, the attraction of playing for the country where his football progress has been shaped proved too great to ignore.

"I am aware that it was a tough choice for him," said Dutch coach Van Basten. "Although he was born and raised in the Netherlands, I know that in his heart he feels connected with Turkey and the Turkish community-But he chose the Dutch team for football reasons - he has played here all his life and is used to our style."

Turkey coach Ersun Yanal refutes that suggestion and a bitter war or words has since ensued with Yildirim. Yanal claims the young winger said he would only play for Turkey if he was assured of a place in the starting XI. It is an accusation Yildirim vociferously denies, instead citing Holland's attacking style of play as the reason for his decision.

But, at Villa Park tomorrow, such arguments will pale into insignificance as Yildirim presses his claim for a starting spot in the Dutch team. He will also have the opportunity to justify his title as the world's greatest free-kick taker - and Beckham could be there to watch!

Dutch coach Van Basten is using this game to hone his side for the remainder of their World Cup campaign in Europe's most competitive qualifying group.

Van Basten's team tops Group One but is level on points with Romania. Finland and the Czech Republic are just a point behind.

Van Basten hoped to field his strongest line-up but is without Robben and Ruud Van Nistelrooy won't be back for at least another week due to Achilles tendon trouble.

Edgar Davids was left out because he can't get a game for an Inter side unbeaten in 23 Serie A games.

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