The Rise of Romano Schmid

In the high-stakes world of professional soccer, every advantage counts.For Werder Bremen, a German Bundesliga team, that advantage may lie in the evolving competition between two of its players: romano Schmid and Marvin Ducksch, battling for dominance over free kicks and corner kicks. The story, unfolding in Bremen as of April 2025, highlights the strategic importance of set-piece specialization and the positive impact of internal competition.

The spark for this competition seems to have been ignited by Schmid himself. as he playfully admitted in February, “Er schießt besser als ich – noch (lacht). Ich habe ja noch ein paar Jahre und werde versuchen, mir jede woche ein, zwei Standards zu nehmen und besser zu schießen,” which translates to “He shoots better than me – still (laughs). I still have a few years and will try to take one or two standards every week and shoot better.” This friendly rivalry has apparently paid dividends for both the player and the team.

When Ducksch was sidelined with an injury, Schmid, a 25-year-old Austrian midfielder, stepped up to take on the role of set-piece specialist.His success was immediate. In a match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Schmid scored directly from a free kick, showcasing his precision and technique. Emboldened by this success, he publicly challenged Ducksch to replicate the feat in the subsequent game against holstein Kiel.

Managerial Insight and Strategic Versatility

The competition between Schmid and Ducksch wasn’t limited to the field. Ducksch publicly acknowledged the race for set pieces, stating, “Ich muss den Jungs ja ein bisschen Druck machen,” translating to “I have to put a little pressure on the guys.” This dynamic has not been ignored by Werder Bremen’s coach, Ole Werner, 36, who plans to utilize both players in set-piece situations moving forward.

Werner emphasized the importance of having multiple options. “Beide sind gute Schützen,” werner said. “Wir haben in Kiel auch schon gewechselt. Es gibt Zielzonen, die der eine besser trifft als der andere. Das sind Dinge, die man im Standardtraining bespricht und die beiden einbindet,” meaning “Both are good shooters. We already switched in Kiel. There are target zones that one hits better than the other. These are things that we discuss in standard training and involve both of them.” This suggests a tactical approach where the set-piece taker is chosen based on specific areas of the field and the player’s strengths.

Competition Fuels Success

Schmid’s expanded role, already a set-piece taker for the Austrian national team, represents a important boost for the player.

The benefits extend to the team as a whole. As Werner noted,“Es ist gut,dass sie es beide machen,wie sie es machen. Scheinbar belebt konkurrenz das Geschäft, wenn man die vergangenen beiden Spiele sieht,” which means “It’s good that they both do it the way they do it. Apparently,competition stimulates business,if you look at the past two games.”

The Broader Context: Set Pieces in Modern soccer

The situation at Werder Bremen underscores the increasing emphasis on set pieces in modern soccer. In leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS) and top European divisions, meticulously planned set-piece routines are now commonplace. Teams employ specialized coaches and data analysts to identify weaknesses in opponents’ defensive setups and to design plays that maximize scoring opportunities.

*Note: Conversion rates are approximate and can vary based on team quality and opponent.

The relatively low conversion rates highlight the importance of optimizing every aspect of set-piece execution. Factors such as the quality of the delivery, the timing of runs, and the positioning of players in the box can all significantly impact the likelihood of success.

Practical Applications and Lessons for U.S. Soccer

The werder Bremen example offers valuable lessons for soccer teams at all levels, including those in the United States. Hear are some practical applications:

• Foster internal competition: Encourage players to compete for specialized roles, such as set-piece takers. This can motivate them to improve their skills and push each other to excel.
• Develop a diverse set-piece strategy: Don’t rely on a single player or routine. Create a variety of options that can exploit different weaknesses in the opponent’s defense.
• invest in set-piece coaching: consider hiring a specialized coach to focus on improving players’ set-piece skills and designing effective routines.
• Analyze data to identify opportunities: Use data analytics to identify patterns in opponent’s set-piece defense and to optimize your own set-piece strategies.

Looking Ahead

The friendly competition between Romano Schmid and Marvin Ducksch at Werder Bremen is a testament to the power of internal motivation and strategic flexibility. As the 2025 season progresses, it will be interesting to see how this dynamic unfolds and whether it translates into continued success on the field for the team. The focus on optimizing set-piece opportunities is a trend that is likely to continue across professional soccer, with teams constantly seeking new ways to gain a competitive edge.