Diving and play-acting have been longstanding issues in football, sparking debates and discussions over the years. In a recent episode of Mail Sport’s podcast, It’s All Kicking Off, the topic resurfaced after Kai Havertz’s controversial incident during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brentford. The conversation took an interesting turn as Ian Ladyman listed his top five divers in football, sparking a lively discussion among the hosts.
Jurgen Klinsmann – The Celebrated Diver:
Klinsmann, the former Bayern Munich forward, secured the fifth spot on Ladyman’s list. Known for making a celebration out of his diving at Tottenham, Klinsmann’s antics were a talking point during his time in the Premier League.
Cristiano Ronaldo – The Extraordinary Talent with Theatrics:
Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the fourth spot in Ladyman’s ranking. Despite his extraordinary talent, Ronaldo’s diving tendencies irked both teammates and managers during his early days at Manchester United, prompting senior players and even Sir Alex Ferguson to address the issue.
Luis Suarez and Rivaldo – Brilliance Tainted by Theatrics:
Ladyman included Luis Suarez and Rivaldo in his list, acknowledging their brilliance as players but highlighting their common guilt of indulging in theatrics on the field. Suarez’s incessant diving earned him a spot on the list, while Rivaldo’s infamous incident during the 2002 World Cup drew criticism.
Ashley Young – The Prolific Diver:
Taking the top spot on Ladyman’s list was Ashley Young. Known for his “ridiculous” play-acting during his time at Aston Villa and Manchester United, Young’s frequent dives became a talking point, especially before the era of VAR.
Chris Sutton’s Take: Harry Kane and Bruno Fernandes Omitted:
In a surprising twist, co-host Chris Sutton expressed his disagreement with Ladyman’s list, pointing out the omission of two major names – Bruno Fernandes and England captain Harry Kane. According to Sutton, Kane is a prolific diver who consistently gets away with it on the pitch, despite being a brilliant player.
Conclusion:
Diving remains a contentious issue in football, with players like Klinsmann, Ronaldo, Suarez, Rivaldo, and Ashley Young making their mark in the history of on-field theatrics. As debates on diving continue, it is clear that opinions may differ, and the discussion around players like Harry Kane and Bruno Fernandes adds a new layer to the ongoing dialogue on fair play in the beautiful game.
