Arsenal Eye Shock Move for Liverpool Legend to Ignite Title Challenge—Report
Arsenal are committed to enhancing their already impressive set-piece capabilities following reports that the Gunners have started seeking guidance from Liverpool's renowned former throw-in specialist, Thomas Grønnemark.
Opposition supporters ridiculed Jürgen Klopp for employing a throw-in specialist, which was an innovative idea during Grønnemark's early tenure at Liverpool from 2018 to 2023. However, the Danish expert's influence was significant, teaching players how to maximize throw-in opportunities rather than focusing on the throwing technique itself.
Arsenal have benefited tremendously from having a set-piece specialist, with Nicolas Jover receiving praise for the team's remarkable corner conversion rate—their 14 corner goals lead the Premier League this campaign. Now Mikel Arteta seeks additional tactical advantages, hoping this will secure the club's first Premier League championship in 22 years by May.
A decade and a half after Rory Delap and Stoke City, physical play is making a comeback in English football as the sport moves away from an era focused solely on possession retention, with long throw-ins gaining renewed significance. Grønnemark previously held the world record for long throws during his playing days, though his throw-in expertise now encompasses far more than just distance.
The Times initially reported Grønnemark's involvement with Arsenal, hiring the 50-year-old as a consultant rather than a permanent coaching staff member. The Gunners anticipate he will help them "weaponize" throw-ins for crucial tactical advantages.
Beyond Liverpool, Grønnemark's previous clientele includes clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Ajax. He disclosed late last year that Klopp invited him to join Liverpool after reading a German piece about his work, having previously been unfamiliar with throw-in coaching.
What Does a Throw-In Coach Do?
During a 2024 interview with BBC Radio Merseyside, Grønnemark outlined his influence at Liverpool and explained how throw-ins have been an "overlooked" aspect of football.
"Upon my arrival, statistics revealed that Liverpool ranked 18th in the Premier League for throw-ins under pressure," he stated. "During my inaugural season, we enhanced our success rate from 45.4% to 68.4% and climbed from 18th to first place.
"Some may consider it merely throw-ins, but there are roughly 40 to 60 throw-ins per match consuming 20 minutes of play. It represents a massive component of football that has been ignored for years."
Grønnemark has recently collaborated with Brentford, where his influence is evident—the Bees have netted nine Premier League goals from long throws since last season began. This tops the league, with Manchester United and Bournemouth each managing four as the closest competitors.
In a December 2025 post on X, using the handle @ThomasThrowin, Grønnemark elaborated on his methodology.
"I focus on throw-in techniques," he explained. "Throw-in fundamental training, throw-in small-sided games, [teaching] players to observe, execute proper runs with correct timing and distance, analyze opponent defensive formations, utilize individual throw-in strengths, throw-in combinations, unlimited space generation and much more.
"Theoretically and practically, there are countless potential throw-in scenarios and solutions during a match, requiring players to develop throw-in intelligence to address them. Therefore, my throw-in coaching extends beyond just the throw and initial action—it can encompass multiple subsequent plays following the throw."