‘He only passes sideways.’
‘Yeah but he goes missing in big games.’
‘Yeah, well he couldn’t finish his dinner if it was cooked and plated up in front of him.’
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The beauty of footballing debates means there really is no right or wrong answer on the internet, just a barrage of abuse for having the audacity to an opinion.
But some players really do trigger either their fans or their haters more than others.
We’re talking the truly divisive characters of the game; the protagonists who can do no wrong in the eyes of some yet are robbing a living in the mindset of others.
So, after an office debate of our own, we reckon these are the nine most divisive players on the planet right now.
In fact, you can’t say anything about them without upsetting someone…
Paul Pogba
Fanboys will tell you: He’s the best central midfielder on the planet, a man who drove France to World Cup glory with the arsenal to do pretty much anything on a football pitch.
Haters will tell you: How can he be deemed world class when he needs to holding midfielders behind him to liberate him? Inconsistent, glorified Jonjo Shelvey.
Jordan Henderson
Fanboys will tell you: The man for the big occasion for Liverpool, drove them to the Champions League final and was an underrated cog in England’s World Cup run.
Haters will tell you Sideways pass merchant. Wannabee Gerrard. The worst captain in Liverpool history?
Edinson Cavani
Fanboys will tell you: One of the most clinical hitmen of the 21st century. You don’t outscore Zlatan at PSG without being a bit special.
Haters will tell you: Has he every turned up when it really matters? No wonder PSG have never got past the Champions League quarters. What’s French for ‘Farmers’ League’?
Neymar
Fanboys will tell you: He’s the undisputed third best player in the world and the natural heir to Ronaldo and Messi’s throne. Will outscore Pele for Brazil before he’s even meant to hit his peak years.
Haters will tell you: He’s a show pony and was a stain on the last World Cup (he spent 14 minutes on the floor in total). Took the easy option by moving to PSG when he should really be challenging himself.
Raheem Sterling
Fanboys will tell you: Only Mo Salah and Harry Kane have been involved in more goals since the start of last season and he’s about to break double figures for the fifth season in a row.
Haters will tell you: He’s a money grabbing rat. England would have been better off with 10 men during the World Cup.
Romelu Lukaku
Fanboys will tell you: He has more Premier League goals than Drogba and is still just 25. The last striker you’d want to face as a centre-back.
Haters will tell you: He plays like he’s got moon boots on. His first touch might as well be a 40 yard pass.
Karim Benzema
Fanboys will tell you: He’s the ultimate fall guy, the perfect buffer to the egos of Ronaldo and Bale. An incredible decade of service for Real Madrid.
Haters will tell you: He’s a chronic waste of space and shames the famous Real number nine shirt. Hasn’t registered a single shot on target in his last six games.
David Luiz
Fanboys will tell you: He’s one of the most complete defenders around. Almost single-handedly denied Bayern Munich as Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012.
Haters will tell you: He’s simply a Playstation footballer. Can’t be taken seriously since the 7-1 at the 2014 World Cup.
Mesut Ozil
Fanboys will tell you: He’s been the best number 10 in Europe since 2010, a creative genius unlike anyone else. How may he assist you today?
Haters will tell you: He shrivels up when the going gets tough. Big games are his kryptonite.
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