Premier League's Favourite Divers
After both Luis Suarez and Sebastian Larsson came in for criticism over diving, we thought we'd take a look back at some of the Premier League's favourite divers. From Jurgen Klinsmann to Didier Drogba, and Arjen Robben to Cristiano Ronaldo, the dive is a part of our game and here are some of the players to have mastered it!
Luis Suarez - Suarez has made quite an impact since arriving in the Premier League, but after some fantastic displays the Uruguayan seems to be making more headlines for his on-field antics recently. Could Suarez have now become his own worst enemy, as referees see a dive over a legitimate foul, but either way it's not his passion that's called into question.
Sebastian Larsson - Larsson's dive against Wolves was a blatant one, and many might feel justice was served as the penalty was saved. But it was a clear reminder of how the game has changed with a younger generation versus the old, Craddock stuck his leg out and despite pulling it back, he'd presented Larsson with the opportunity to go down.
Jurgen Klinsmann - Perhaps the finest diver the game has known! Klinsmann's dives have become iconic, and despite the frustration at the time are now looked back upon with humour. Klinsmann was way ahead of his time when it came to simulation, and was diving in the early days of the Premier League back in 1994.
Robert Pires - Frenchman Pires is often attributed with bringing the diving culture into the mainstream game in England. Pires joined Arsenal in 2000, and whilst he perfected leaving his trailing leg before going down, he was probably most famed for his play-acting against Portsmouth in 2003.
Arjen Robben - Robben spent 3 years with Chelsea between 2004 and 2007 and despite his clear ability, he often opted to go to ground when dribbling in an attempt to con the referee. Robben's most famous moment of play-acting in the Premier League, came during a heated contest between Chelsea and Liverpool, the Dutchman dropped to the ground after a slight touch from Liverpool keeper Reina!
Cristiano Ronaldo - When you're one of the best players in the game, you're going to come under extra attention from opposition players. In the earlier days of his career, the word dive was permanently attached to Cristiano Ronaldo, and there are too many incidents to just pick one. But recently Ronaldo has been staying on his feet just slightly more, so his fans get to see more of his sublime footballing ability.
Didier Drogba - Chelsea forward Didier Drogba is another player who is famed for his diving. What makes Drogba's dives more entertaining, is as a strong footballer he can be difficult to get the ball off when he feels like it, yet he's managed to perfect the arched back and facial expressions for an impressive dive.
El Hadji Diouf - Not one of football's more popular characters, El-Hadji Diouf's reputation on and off the field has made him a target for opposition football fans. Diouf appears to thrive on being the bad boy, which he demonstrates by attempting to win games at all costs.
Morten Gamst Pedersen - Blackburn's Norwegian winger Morten Gamst Pedersen is probably known equally for his crossing ability ashis play-acting. Ever since the Premier League fixture with Arsenal, when he sprinted past Bacary Sagna took a look back, then belatedly hit the deck in dramatic style in an attempt to win a penalty.
Nani - Often compared with his former Manchester United team mate and fellow Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo but not always for the right reasons. Regularly accused of play acting, Nani most famous incident came when he head-butted West Ham captain Lucas Neill, before falling to the ground himself and trying to fool the ref into thinking he was the victim!
Is diving something that's a part of our game and we should salute those able to con a referee into winning a foul, or should it be condemned as bad sportsmanship and those caught attempting it punished? Share your thoughts online.
