The 10 most polarising players in world football

For one of the greatest of all time, Ronaldo is seldom content with events on the pitch
For one of the greatest of all time, Ronaldo is seldom content with events on the pitch

#8 Dejan Lovren

After just 30 minutes against Harry Kane and Tottenham last season, Lovren was substituted
After just 30 minutes against Harry Kane and Tottenham last season, Lovren was substituted

Like Ronaldo, Dejan Lovren is not shy about his own ability. Unlike Ronaldo however, Lovren's results on the pitch are not consistent with his opinion of himself. Those who are familiar with Lovren's work would struggle with the claim that he is among the greatest defenders in the world, with erraticism and poor decision making tending to characterise the Croatian's game just as much as his ability does.

Whilst to some extent, Lovren's defensiveness is understandable considering the level of criticism he receives, he earns himself no new fans with the way he constantly demands respect. Lovren is a talented centre back who has had some great games for Liverpool, but can't really be considered one of the world's premier defenders when 21-year-old Joe Gomez has taken his spot in the starting line-up for Liverpool.

#7 Ruben Semedo

Ruben Semedo was at Villareal when he was arrested
Ruben Semedo was at Villareal when he was arrested

It is often overlooked that professional footballers are still just young men, some of them teenagers. Off the field indiscretions are inevitable, and supporters actually tend to be fairly forgiving for mistakes that can be attributed to immaturity. Photographs with 'women of the night' are one thing though, armed robbery and attempted murder another.

Ruben Semedo is currently out on bail, awaiting trial for an incident where he and two accomplices allegedly tied up, assaulted and robbed a man in Spain. Incredibly, Semedo is still under contract for Rio Ave in the top division in Portugal. He has only one appearance to his name this season, but you can be sure that when/if he takes to the pitch again, the reception he receives will be intense, to say the least.

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