Polarising footballers – or marmite footballers as the English care to say – have caused quite a stir in the Premier League in recent times. In fact, their acquisition to the English game has proven invaluable but just who are the ones that top the list?
For almost three decades, fans have witnessed these players at their best and worst.
Some have succeeded and won a number of trophies, others have been blamed for their side's demise, but one thing they can all agree on is that the overall opinion of them is still divided to this day.
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Bad behaviour, splendid goals, stunning leadership, but above all their skills were showcased for all to witness on a weekly basis. But who is the most polarising player in the Premier League era? Here's a countdown of the five players who divided opinion the most.
#5 Roy Keane – Nottingham Forest/Manchester United
Irishman Roy Keane was the standout talent for Nottingham Forest during their relegation from the Premier League in 1992/1993. The player moved to Manchester United where he became an integral part of the club's success over the next decade.
Keane went on to win seven Premier League medals during his time at Old Trafford and captained United following the departure of Eric Cantona.
Unfortunately for Roy, he divided opinion – even amongst United fans – not only for his no-nonsense tackling but also his inability to keep his mouth shut.
Keane famously battled with Alf-Inge Haaland during his time at Leeds United ultimately suffering a long-term knee injury in 1998. Keane took revenge three years later in the Manchester Derby when he deliberately tackled Haaland in a brutal manner - practically ending the Norweigan's career.
Whether you love him or hate him, Keane was one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
#4 Luis Suarez – Liverpool
Love him, or hate him, Luis Suarez was one of the finest strikers ever to grace Premier League football. The Uruguayan international almost inspired Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2014, but defensively they fell short, and Gerrard slipped, as Manchester City claimed the crown ahead of their North-West rivals.
Suarez was instrumental during the campaign, and despite missing the first six games of the season, he managed to score 31 goals – the joint highest in a 38 game season.
His £22.5 million move from Ajax raised eyebrows as many predicted the forward to flop despite his goalscoring exploits in the Eredivisie.
A series of incidents in England cast a dark shadow over his career. Whether it was for racially abusing Patrice Evra, biting Branislav Ivanovic, or taking a chunk out of Giorgio Chiellini's arm, Suarez was loathed by many.
For someone who always plays football with a smile on his face, Suarez continues to divide opinion in Barcelona as well.
#3 Eric Cantona – Manchester United
In 1992 when Sir Alex Ferguson forked out £1 million to sign Leeds United forward, Eric Cantona, the footballing world sniggered at the prospect of United failing once again with a big money transfer move.
Ultimately, the French maverick proved to be the inspiration and catalyst behind the club's success over the next half-decade as he managed to secure four league titles in just five seasons.
The only Premier League title failing occurred in 1994/1995 when Cantona was suspended for six months due to the infamous kung-fu kick of a fan at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park.
Cantona's arrogance including his symbolic lifted collar saw supporters divided in their opinion. To United fans, he was an icon, and as mentioned, a catalyst for their success as Ferguson even provided him with favourable treatment at times.
Nonetheless, opposition supporters were divided on whether they hated Cantona or loved his French swagger.
#2 Didier Drogba – Chelsea
When Roman Abramovich parted with £24 million for Marseille forward, Didier Drogba, there wasn't a supporter on the planet who didn't think Chelsea had lost the plot.
Nonetheless, 10 seasons spread over two spells for Chelsea saw him become arguably their most inspiring player ever. The Ivory Coast forward was sensational during his time in west London, but his need and desire to dive at every opportunity infuriated a number of supporters.
Drogba could have been described as the most complete striker in England during that time. Sensational goals, big match moments and leadership in abundance saw him gain many admirers. Opposition fans were in awe of his talent but hated the times he would cowardly hit the deck after a shoulder barge from someone half his size.
#1 Faustino Asprilla – Newcastle United
When Faustino Asprilla joined Newcastle United in 1996, many deemed the Columbian forward the final piece in the jigsaw as Kevin Keegan's side went in pursuit of that illustrious Premier League title.
The Toon were well placed to take the prize away from Manchester United once more, but Keegan was forced to play his new recruit from Parma in the side, and the team was adjusted to suit the talented wide forward.
Asprilla provided many moments of brilliance during his time at St. James's Park – most notably his hat-trick against Barcelona in the Champions League and his derby record against Middlesbrough.
Fans were divided on their opinion of Asprilla who clearly liked to live the good life in Newcastle. Supporters also believed and never actually forgave him for being a significant factor in the club bottling the title race in 1996.
