Calhanoglu has higher free-kick conversion rate than Lionel Messi & Real Madrid star

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - OCTOBER 10: Hakan Calhanoglu of Turkey celebrates his goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group A Qualifier match between Czech Republic and Turkey at Letna Stadium on October 10, 2015 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Matej Divizna/Getty Images)

Bayer Leverkusen star Hakan Calhanoglu has developed a reputation as one of the most dangerous set-piece specialists in world football over the last few seasons.

The Turkish international star has the highest free-kick conversion rate in European football over the last three years.

Calhanoglu is the only player in Europe’s top-five leagues – England, Germany, France, Italy and Spain – to have scored 11 times from free-kicks over a three-year span.

The 22-year-old play-maker scored 11 out of his 82 free-kick attempts giving him a 13.4 percent conversion rate which is higher than Barcelona star Lionel Messi at 5.7 percent and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo at 6.8 percent.

Calhanoglu has a total of eight goals and eights assists in 34 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen in all competitions this season.

The Bayer star was nominated in the UEFA team of the year 40-man shortlist. Calhanoglu has been in great form for Bayer since joining on a €14.5 million move from HSV and has attracted interest from across Europe including Manchester United and Arsenal.

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