Denmark's set-piece factory

Some of the world's top dead-ball coaches have come through Danish side FC Midtjylland. Why? FFT finds out

- Sam Dalling

W hen people look back on the 2025-26 campaign, it may well be remembered as the season of the set-piece. In the Premier League, there's been no more desirable fashion accessory than a well-aimed long throw, no more open display of social status than a perfectly executed corner routine.

In recent times, those charged with concocting dead-ball delight have emerged as stars themselves. Austin MacPhee is frequently seen alongside manager Unai Emery on Aston Villa's bench, Newcastle hired Martin Mark in the summer, and Arsenal's Nicolas Jover is almost certainly the first ever set-piece coach to have his own mural.

Their shared characteristic? Each spent time at Danish club FC Midtjylland - the former pair as employees and Jover as a visitor to observe their methodology.

In fact, Midtjylland have become a de facto set-piece guru's academy, with other graduates including Lars Knudsen, head coach of Denmark's under-21s, and Mads Buttgereit, set-piece coach for the German national team.