It hurts to even think about it, let alone write about it. It seems a very real possibility that the considerable striking ability of Michael Owen, by far the most dangerous weapon with English blood coursing through his veins will end up being wasted. No, let me rephrase that – SQUANDERED.
During the last few days of the build up to the grand finale of the Worthington Cup, the press and media began to suggest that the out-of-form Owen was far from being invigorated by Liverpool’s counter attacking, often stagnant brand of football.
They warned that Owen wouldn’t tolerate it for an awful lot longer, that the chance of warmer climes and the promise of more expansive, dynamic football abroad would become to great for the young man.
This worried me greatly, for it confirmed my worst fears. We were in danger of seeing Saint Michael finally admit he could, in terms of the style of football, do better than us.
With horrid images of Owen walking out on us one day spinning around my warped, shaven cranium it gave me the feeling not dissimilar to that of when you are going out with a bird who you know is far above your level.
You know, that gal, old whatsaname, obviously too classy for a football dunderhead like you.
And of course, said bird knows it too. The time with her is great but the insecurity of the awaiting, inevitable flick is never too far from your mind. That point when she gives that little wave and says ta ra, and walks out of your life forever.
Michael could do that to us too!
I started some hard contemplating, some head scratching. It was of course imperative that Liverpool evolved in an attacking sense, to keep Michael, and our other stars happy long term.
Christ, if Michael Owen announced tomorrow that he wanted the challenge of a different league, there would be numerous suitors, as we all know. The continents very finest clubs would circle above Anfield like vultures all vying to become his new employers. This will happen unless things change.
Owen, although not blessed with the same repertoire of skills and trickery as Ronaldo or Henry, does possess quick feet, electric pace and his smaller frame gives him the enviably advantage of a low centre of gravity.
Even in a crowded box little Mo can be relied upon to wriggle and side step his way to a clear shot on goal. Felling giant lumbering defenders in his wake.
A real ferret in the box, yet Liverpool pushing forward, rarely allow him into the box, the way he should be allowed.
Why?
I can understand the manner in which Houllier has drilled the Red men to play. The defensive foundation takes enormous organisation and must be admired. The launching of (supposedly) precise, direct balls onto the pace of Owen via the no nonsense centre backs or deep lying midfield. While the whippet like Owen runs from half way in the oppositions half chasing a pin point ball from Gerrard as the striker overtakes the last defender to slot it neatly into the net. It can be exhilarating.
But, we need much more variation, as although it’s not totally long ball, it’s not exactly the famed Liverpool pass and move either. There has to be another dimension to our play for Owens development and the teams in general.
Liverpool must begin to produce more measured passing and much more varied and sustained attacking, utilising the pace and movement of Owen, Baros and Heskey. The objective should be to get these guys in the box and just outside allowing them to achieve 6-8 chances a match rather than the mere scraps of a handful that they usually have to feed off.
Regardless of this, Owen, playing in a defensive team that has struggled badly in black November, December and January has still plundered 20 goals. That’s two-zero. If it hadn’t been for the capitulation of the entire team during those horrid winter months and the onset of one of Owens notorious dry patches, Michael the Saint, would have undoubtedly got a dozen more.
So the question is. What the hell would Owen be like if he were in team firing on all cylinders that actually attacked the opposition? Well he would be awesome, is the simple answer to that. Although it pains me to say it, in Arsenals or even Man Uniteds current team, Owen would quite simply be prolific to the Nth degree.
In the aftermath of the cup final, Owen surprisingly went public in his want for a more calculated, and ruthlessly attacking Liverpool. And what is more, Houllier has seemingly agreed and promised him, and the fans exactly that – A Liverpool with invention and panache.
So, no more 15 foot high balls by-passing the midfield then, but plenty of pass and move is the agreement please Monsieur Houllier. Doesn’t have to be fancy Brazilian flicks (although that would be nice) just football with vibrancy and urgency, that the opposition is fearful of.
We of course wait with baited breath, for the simple sake of Saving Private Owen.