Where do you stand on these players?
The beauty of football is that no two people will see the same match in the same way, but even still, there are some players that split opinion and encourage debate like no others.
With this in mind, we’ve decided to take a look at some of these players and list the reasons why they encourage such passionate discussion.
Wayne Rooney
His fans will say: That he’s still the most naturally gifted player in Manchester United’s squad and when he’s on form, the team look better. He’s also England’s record goalscorer and can boast about winning 5 titles, 2 League Cups and the Champions League among a host of personal accolades.
His detractors will argue: He never fulfilled the prodigious talent that he displayed at Euro ’04 while his first-touch, decision making and goalscoring threat have all declined.
Some Man Utd fans have even said that they’re a more fluid, dynamic and faster paced side without their captain.
James McCarthy
His fans will say: He looks like a completely different player for Everton because he’s allowed to play higher up the pitch, safe in the knowledge that Gareth Barry is next to him. He’s also the best passer of a ball in the Irish squad.
His detractors will argue: Trap was right, too often he goes missing in games and looks for a hole to hide in. He’s not a novice to international football either so he should be performing like he did against Germany with more regularity.
David Luiz
His fans will say: He’s quick, competitive and can pass the ball out from defence. There’s a ruthless side to him also and it’s not uncommon to see his name on the scoresheet.
His detractors will argue: He tends to lose his head and positional sense far too often. As Gary Neville said “It’s like a 10-year-old controlling him with a Playstation’.
Jack Wilshere
His fans will say: He’s the most naturally gifted English player of his generation. His passing is excellent, he reads the game brilliantly and he has a deceptive burst of pace that can take him past most players.
His detractors will argue: Jack of all trades and master of none. Injuries have stalled his progression, he’s far too injury prone and has a tendency to think that he’s a midfield enforcer as opposed to a ball-player.
Aiden McGeady
His fans will say: He possesses a rare quality that’s dying in the modern game, the ability to take on his man and beat him. Have a look at his second goal against Georgia for further proof of his undoubted ability.
His detractors will argue: What’s the point in getting past your man if you can’t pick out a final ball?
Danny Welbeck
His fans will say: He will occupy defenders because his movement is clever, he’s a willing runner and provides a physical presence. There’s no doubting that he’s incredibly selfless also and works hard for his teammates.
His detractors will argue: What’s the point of an attacker that can’t score goals with regularity?
Toni Kroos
His fans will say: I’m expecting a backlash with this selection but hear me out. Any player that’s a World Cup winner and plays for Real Madrid is unquestionably talented but I genuinely think the German has weakened, not enhanced, this Real team.
He’s never going to play as a Number 10 nor does he have the required qualities to be an effective holding midfielder. He currently looks like a square peg that’s being shoved into a round hole at the Bernabéu.
Compare this to 2014 when he looked like Bayern Munich’s best player and a key-man for Joachim Löw in Brazil.
Franck Ribery
His fans will say: His dribbling, close control and goalscoring threat is almost without equal. He’s a first-team regular in one of Europe’s best sides and looks equally comfortable operating on both flanks.
His detractors will say: When it matters, when it really, really matters, he has a tendency to go missing. A flat-track bully and nothing else.
Are there any other players that you would add to this list?
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