After Paul Pogba’s staggered run-up on Sunday, Goal picks out other examples of players employing a bizarre approach to converting spot-kicks
GettyPogba's 26-step run-up
Paul Pogba’s missed penalty against Everton was the source of a lot of puzzlement over the weekend.
The Manchester United midfielder's run-up consisted of 26 steps and took over 10 seconds. It didn't work either, with Jordan Pickford saving the spot-kick.
Luckily for Pogba, the ball rebounded right into his path, allowing him to slot home.
AdvertisementGettyBalotelli's wait-and-see
Mario Balotelli wasn't the first player to incorporate a stutter into his penalty run-up but he may be the most successful.
The Italian calmly takes an extra step in his approach as he waits for the keeper to move left or right before – usually – slotting the ball into the opposite corner.
GettyPerotti's walk
Roma winger Diego Perotti has his own unique approach to penalties.
Rather than running up to the ball, the Argentine walks to the penalty spot before calmly shooting towards either corner with the minimum of back-lift. The Argentine scored in this fashion at Anfield last season during the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Getty ImagesBerbatov's roll
Dimitar Berbatov currently has the longest streak of scored penalties in the Premier League without ever missing one. The Bulgarian converted all nine of his Premier League spot-kicks in trademark fashion.
The former Tottenham, Manchester United and Fulham forward would stroll up to the ball, leaving it to the last possible second before deciding where he was going to put it.
The goalkeeper would go one way whilst Berba would roll the ball into the opposite corner with characteristic nonchalance.