Jack Wilshere, Daley Blind, David Beckham and 10 of the Great Long-Range Assists
The long ball is often looked upon disparagingly, thanks its association with the "unattractive" brands of football played by the likes of Stoke or Wimbledon over the years.
However, when executed in the right moment, a long ball can be a beautiful and efficient method of providing an assist. Jack Wilshere showed this on Tuesday with his excellent over-the-top pass to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in England's victory over Scotland.
The Arsenal star's effort leads out list of the greatest long-ball assists. Take a look and leave your own nominations for stunning long assists in the comments.
Jack Wilshere to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
1 of 10Jack Wilshere started England's friendly with Scotland with headphones in his ears, but his apparent lack of engagement didn't seem to affect his performance in the game.
In the 32nd minute, Wilshere found his Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with an incredible long-ball pass. It's virtually impossible to defend against a pass like that.
Daley Blind to Robin Van Persie
2 of 10Robin Ven Persie's sublime header for the Netherlands against Spain at the 2014 World Cup is a front-runner for the 2014 Puskas Award, such was its beauty.
The architect of the goal was Daley Blind, whose long ball landed perfectly in the space between Iker Casillas and the Spanish back line.
Ronald De Boer to Dennis Bergkamp
3 of 10As soon as RVP's header hit the back of the net in Brazil, immediate comparisons were drawn with Dennis Bergkamp's wonder goal against Argentina at France 98.
The Arsenal star was able to produce one of the most memorable winning goals in World Cup history thanks to an inspired long ball from Ronald De Boer.
Wayne Rooney to Robin Van Persie
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It's not only at the World Cup where RVP gets superb long ball service.
During Manchester United's 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in April 2013, Wayne Rooney played an incredible ball to the Dutchman, who rifled in an amazing left-footed strike on his way to a hat-trick.
"I looked up and thought: 'This ball is so nice, it's too beautiful to take a touch'," the striker said while reminiscing on the official Manchester United website.
Steven Gerrard to Luis Suarez
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Steven Gerrard is no stranger to putting his strikers through on goal with long balls that carve up rivals defences.
During Liverpool's 3-0 win over Sunderland in January 2013, the Reds captain did exactly that when he launched a superb pass towards Luis Suarez from deep inside his own half.
Jose Enrique to Luis Suarez
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The season before Gerrard's excellent pass, Luis Suarez also received a long-distance delivery from left-back Jose Enrique that allowed him to bag the equaliser against Newcastle.
David Beckham to Ronaldo
7 of 10David Beckham's pinpoint shots, crosses and passes were the stuff of legend. One of his finest moments came during his time with the Real Madrid Galacticos, where he set up Ronaldo with a beautiful curling diagonal pass from near the touchline.
David Beckham to Zinedine Zidane
8 of 10One could probably populate an entire list with Beckham long balls, but the former England star must earn another entry here for his incredible pass to Zinedine Zidane.
After receiving a short pass from Raul, Becks takes a quick look up, plays the diagonal ball and allows Zizou to produce one of the best finishes of his career.
Kaka to Hernan Crespo
9 of 10The 2005 Champions League final will forever be remembered for Liverpool's incredible comeback, but the game also contained a very fine long assist from Kaka.
A minute before half-time, Hernan Crespo put Milan 3-0 up with a chip over Jerzy Dudek that was made possible by a fantastic through ball from the Brazilian. Proof, if it were needed, that long balls don't need to be airborne to be brilliant.
Xabi Alonso to Alvaro Arbeloa
10 of 10Xabi Alonso has an impressive back catalogue of assists but perhaps none so beautiful as the pass he made to Alvaro Arbeloa in a Liga match against Atletico Madrid in March 2010.
With his back to goal behind the halfway line, Alonso spins and picks out his team-mate perfectly.
