Born 14th December 1979 in Chester, Michael was the son of Terry Owen (formerly of Everton FC). Owen was destined for great things from a young age when he was reported to have scored 97 goals in a season (yes that says 97) at the age of 10. At 12 Owen signed a contract with Liverpool FC and his goal scoring record continued - he played for England U15's/16's which included a record breaking 28 goals in 20 games. During the 1995-96 season Owen played for Liverpool in the FA Youth Cup in which he scored eleven times in five games guiding Liverpool to their first ever victory in the competition. At this early age Owen was making even the most experienced scouts stand up and take notice, so it was of little surprise when he signed a professional contract with Liverpool aged 17.
6 May 1997 saw Michael Owen's debut for Liverpool against Wimbledon, and true to form, he scored. 1997-98 season saw Owen become the first choice striker for Liverpool, replacing none less than Robbie Fowler, the decision was justified with a PL Golden Boot, PFA Young Player of the Year and third place in the PFA Player of the Year awards. Owen was also pipped by Zinedine Zidane to the World Player of the Year. The young striker, 18 at the time, was hailed Liverpool's saviour.
England vs Argentina 1998 World Cup produced one of Owen's most magical moments with a spine tingling run past an Argentine defense (making them look like they were standing still) and a perfect finish. It was this moment when many watching realised, 'this bloke is something special'.
Owen continued his goalscoring form in 1998-99 retaining his golden boot award, this was despite a telling hamstring injury which brought his season to an end on 12th April. An injury which was not surprising for many experts due to his blistering acceleration. Little did he know at the time but this injury would impact on his career forever.
The 1999-00 season was frustratingly hampered with injury, with Owen only completing the full 90 minutes on three occasions. This was a stark contrast to the 2000-01 season which saw Owen help Liverpool to a treble winning season and Owen was rewarded with both the World Player of the Year and European Player of the Year - the latter he was the first English winner since his birth year 1979, when Kevin Keegan took the award.
In 2004 Owen made the move to Real Madrid for £8million, where his transfer wasn't viewed as a huge success scoring 14 goals in 40 games - having said that he had the best goals for minutes played ratio in La Liga. However following Spanish press criticism and two big Real signings, Owen transferred to Newcastle United for £16million (healthy profit!) this move saw 30 goals from 79 games and critics pointed out his lack of sharpness, which was ultimately hindered from his hamstring problems.
Manchester United took a risk free approach to Michael Owen with a pay as you play two year contract initiated in 2009 and Owen was mainly used as a substitute. Manager Alex Ferguson looked like a genius when Owen scored on his (non competitive) debut. The move involved a 'nice touch' with Owen been given the number 7 shirt - previously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and George Best.
Owen played a total of 475 games for his five professional clubs, scoring a combined 220 goals. His international career boasts 40 goals from 89 caps.
For me (I'm 25) Michael Owen is the first great player I have seen from the start of his career to the end, and I would like to say what a privilege it was. God only knows how good this bloke could have been with two good hamstrings on him!
JL
No comments:
Post a Comment