Paul Scholes' tackling, Michael Owen's diving, Kevin Davies' fouls: players the pundits allow to get away with it

Paul Scholes' tackling may have been terrible, but that didn't stop a lot of pundits dismissing it as something almost comical, rather than potentially dangerous. talkSPORT looks at other footballers who's crimes and failings the experts have dressed up in flattering language…

Michael Owen

They say: 'He's a clever player'

What it means: He dived to win penalties against Argentina in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, but it's ok because he's English, not a cheating foreigner.

Kevin Davies

They say: 'He's big and strong'

What it means: He commits fouls, a record 123 last season to be precise (the most by one player since Opta's records began in 2003), topping the foul charts for the seventh time in eight seasons.

EMMANUEL EBOUE

They say: 'He's good going forward'

What it means: He's a crap defender.

Emile Heskey

They say: 'He brings others into the game'

What it means: He's a forward who can't hit a barn door.

Shaun Wright-phillips

They say: 'He's got bags of pace'

What it means: He's like a headless chicken.

Jamie Carragher

They say: 'He's uncompromising'

What it means: He'll kick lumps out of you and hoof the ball at the slightest sign of danger.

Who else could be added to this list? Let us know your suggestions by commenting below…