Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly has criticised Liverpool striker Luis Suarez for perceived play-acting.

The World Cup-winner was discussing his duels with former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer during his playing days and said that the one-time England captain was not into "theatrics" like the Uruguayan forward.

"[Shearer] was never into theatrics like Suarez," Desailly told Goal.com.

"Suarez always thinks the football pitch is a swimming pool. Shearer was always ready for the occasion and would fight for anything and everything."

"African teams need to perform better at World Cups," he added. "Cameroon were close to qualifying for the semi-finals some time back; Ghana as well, save for the Suarez [handball] antics again."

Suarez took his goal tally for the season to nine in the Reds' 3-3 draw with Everton on Saturday.