La Liga's Top 5 Free-Kick Experts

David Beckham hasn't played in La Liga since 2007, but there are plenty of dead ball specialists left in the Spanish top flight.

From powerful smashes to delicate curls, La Liga's free-kick experts get the ball in the net from anywhere around the box. It is a unique skill, but a free-kick can change the game in an instant.

La Liga is home to some of the world's best individual talent. Here are the top five free-kick experts in the division.

Honorable Mention: Cesc Fabregas, Barcelona

It is easy to forget how good Cesc Fabregas really is. The midfielder was considered among the best in the world during his time at Arsenal, but has been unable to display his full talent in a crowded Barcelona team.

The former Gunners captain has been deployed all over the pitch for his new club, with varying success. Despite his conspicuous lack of pace, Fabregas has done well when playing as a centre forward, even utilizing that role with the national side.

Often forgotten is his free-kick taking ability. Fabregas was a terrific server of the ball during his time in London, and knocked in a few goals from dead-ball situations as well.

Because of his restricted opportunities to showcase his free-kick accuracy, Fabregas just misses out on the top five.

Honorable Mention: Dani Alves, Barcelona

Pure power.

While Alves relinquishes free-kick duties to Messi and Xavi around the box, the Brazilian right-back unleashes his rips from 30 yards or more.

This strike against Atletico Madrid sums up his style—a big run-up, a blistering effort and a helpless goalkeeper. The defender hits a near identical strike against Almeria.

Barca can use their immense technical ability to cut open defenses and put the ball in the back of the net, but sometimes a 25-yard screamer is the way to go.

His powerful blasts are exciting, and when they are on frame they are nearly unstoppable. Unfortunately, Alves' shots seldom find the target, and he finds himself just out of the top five.

Honorable Mention: Neymar, Barcelona

The Brazilian might be new to La Liga, but his talents have been touted for quite some time. Neymar is a consistent performer of free-kicks for both club and country.

Playing for Santos and Brazil, Neymar has accumulated several set piece goals, displaying both power and technique. Most of his finishes use a classic finesse curl to fool the keeper.

Unfortunately, Neymar will have to compete with the likes of Xavi and Lionel Messi for the opportunity to take a set piece. I'm sure he will try to prove himself in training—that would be fun to watch.

5. Xavi, Barcelona

What a shame he has to share the free-kick duties with his talented teammates.

Xavi is a master with the ball at his feet, playing the perfect pass time and time again. His precision and vision are breathtaking traits that have earned the Spaniard worldwide recognition.

The midfielder treats free-kicks like he treats his passes. Xavi can pick out a top corner with ease and curls it up and over the wall.

This clip from 2011 shows Xavi in traditional form. He puts Barca 1-0 on Granada with a beautiful curling effort from nearly 30 yards.

4. Benat Etxebarria, Athletic Bilbao

Finally a player not from Catalonia. Benat Etxebarria is a central midfielder who recently transferred from Real Betis back to Athletic Bilbao—where he began his career.

The video above shows a handful of highlights from Etxebarria's time with Betis, most notably his free-kicks in the latter half of the clip. The versatility of his strikes is remarkable.

Etxebarria is a talented center mid, and at age 26 he has earned two caps for Spain. Unfortunately, a surplus of talented players through the middle means that the Basque man will likely be on the outside looking in for most of his career.

3. Simao, Espanyol

The Portuguese winger has a long history in La Liga, representing Barcelona and Atletico Madrid previously.

Simao's free-kick talents have been useful wherever he has played. From corner deliveries to the occasional goal, the diminutive midfielder can turn a game around with one strike of his right boot.

This above goal drew Atletico level with their arch rivals Real Madrid. You've got to love those commentators.

Simao is certainly capable, and enters our top five at the no. 3 slot due to his continuous display of set piece quality.

2. Lionel Messi, Barcelona

The greatest goal-scorer in the world isn't too shabby from dead-ball situations.

Messi's unbelievable dribbling ability and electric pace have always been key to unlocking opposition defenses, but it's time to add free-kicks to that list.

Barcelona's main man is becoming increasingly competent with curling his efforts from outside the box. Fouling the Argentine is now just as dangerous as letting him by.

Messi's magic left foot packs more power than one would expect, and his impeccable technique leaves goalkeepers frozen.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid

Who else but Cristiano Ronaldo?

The Portuguese forward has revolutionized free-kick technique. By striking the ball straight on, Ronaldo sends the ball on an unpredictable flight path, nearly impossible to stop.

What's more, the Madrid man can hit them from anywhere on the pitch. His 40-yard dipper against Arsenal in the Champions League is evidence of that. Ronaldo's tip toed run up to the ball might be goofy, but 36 free-kick goals (and counting) certainly isn't.

Madrid can rest easy knowing that when Ronaldo is on the pitch, nothing is too absurd to try. His amazing power and ridiculous accumulation of free-kick goals makes Ronaldo the no. 1 free-kick expert in La Liga.