With the influx of foreigners into the Premier League over the years, coupled with the predominantly English footballing pundits, the propensity for elocution errors has seen a drastic rise. To be fair the majority of these slip-ups can be attributed to the always entertaining and rarely insightful Paul Merson.
Not to pick on people's weaknesses too much but if you're job is to communicate your thoughts about a football match, then surely you should go out of you're way to make sure you know every player that may come up in the course of any given discussion.
But sure look, at the end of the day the gaffes do make for delightful viewing, and without them this article wouldn't exist. Praise be to Merson!
1. Mark Lawrenson calls Steven Pienaar a 'penis'
There's a reason you don't see Lawro on your screens anymore...
2. Exhibit A: Paul Merson loses the arse trying to say Azpilicueta
Just call him Dave.
3. Exhibit B: Paul Merson calles Jovetic 'Yojevitch'
Swing and a miss.
4. Exhibit C: Paul Merson mistakes Chelsea winger for Black Eyed Peas musician
Maybe his role as bumbling over-excited bloke is what keeps him in a job?
5. Exhibit D: Paul Merson cannot say Schweinsteiger despite numerous attempts
Surely when you have as big a player as Bastian Schweinsteiger you would at least bother your arse to learn how to saw the German's name properly.
6. Kevin Philips' dreadful attempt at Gylfi Sigurrdsson
Look Kev, if you have to spell it out phonetically on a card, then do so.
6. Kinnear calls Johan Cabaye a Turkish delicacy
Although technically not a pundit, still thoroughly enjoyable. Also infamous for calling Charles N'Zogbia 'Charles Insomnia'.
8. Ruud Gullit rightfully rinses Redknapp for his attempt as El Shaarawy
The former Liverpool man is well and truly put in his place by the Dutchman.
9. Michael Owen butchers Aubameyang
Abageemang? Still the most entertaining thing he's done as a pundit.
And now, to cleanse the palette here is a ridiculous video of someone mispronouncing footballers names on purpose:
