Like it or not people do not like Michael Owen. Seeing him struggle this season has brought joy and gratification to millions of football fans, never mind the mainstream press. Instead of offering constructive criticism and in-depth analysis of the England number 10’s ailing form many have simply offered the suggestion that he has been ‘found out’.
As I have said, Liverpool fans have grown used to, though somewhat weary, of the sniping comments so often hurled at England’s best striker. The headlines strike out with unerring familiarity. Little boy lost, one trick pony, one
goal wonder; all have been emblazoned upon the gutter press with great regularity in the young career of Michael Owen. I have no problem with debate, conjecture, and opinion but one must ask – when will it stop?
As Michael was pictured sitting on the bench as Liverpool defeated Bolton we all knew we were in for another exciting round of Owen Bashing. Instead of acclaiming Milan Baros’ great moment of glory many saw fit to use the young
Czech as another weapon in their bitter war. The 90 minutes worth of footage of Michael Owen sat on the bench had managed to spawn one or two pictures of – now wait for this – Owen not smiling! Yes I know it may come as a shock but Owen would rather have been playing. He was not in a
permanent state of delirium whilst warming the substitutes bench. For any intelligent’ TV show or newspaper editor this was amazing footage. Just place a picture of a slightly disgruntled Owen next to a beaming shot of
Baros and what do you have – a sensational story? I don’t know about you but I can’t see Michael knocking down Gerard Houllier’s office demanding a transfer.
As I listened to the radio I awaited yet more expert opinion from yet more washed-up former players who never had an ounce of the talent Michael Owen has. I was ready for the very worst that broadcasting had to offer and for
once I was not ill-prepared for the rambling nonsense that violated my home through the airwaves. That’s not to say I was happy with what I heard.
The superstar hired by this radio station to pass judgement upon the Liverpool player’s career was none other than Tony Cascarino. Who better to ask about goal-scoring than Cascarino? The London-born, Italian-bred, former
Republic of Ireland international didn’t waste much time before trotting out some well-worn clichés. ‘Maybe he’s been found out’ stuttered the former Millwall man. He didn’t feel it necessary to expand upon this newly dug up
theory and bless us listeners with any kind of reason behind his argument. I guess he had some foundation to his argument. After all Cascarino was never found out. Most defenders already knew there was no discernible talent to
find.
It is comments such as those by Cascarino that highlight the flaw in hiring former players who have no real opinions or brains to back those few fleeting ideas that they do have. After five years of terrorising defences both home and abroad Owen has suddenly been found out. What new research have defenders uncovered? Have they realised Owen is only small so you can knock him off the ball easily? Or have they found out a way to halt his runs? The answer is simply that Owen has not been found out! If defenders
had found a way to stop Owen he would not have created so many chances. Michael has had more shots at goal, an unbelievable figure of 20, then any other player in the Premiership. All that is stopping Owen is himself. He
has lost confidence and no longer holds the cool attitude in front of goal that he had early last season. Sven-Goran Eriksson aptly described him as a killer. Owen simply needs to regain those murderous intentions in front of goal.
Many people in the media, and fans of rival Premiership teams may see this as the beginning of the end for Michael Owen. But they will be left disappointed. Whatever they may think Michael Owen is a world-class striker. He ranks alongside Ronaldo, Henry, Vieri, and Raul as the very elite of their chosen position. Critics may point to Ruud Van Nistelrooy (also a scorer of just one Premiership goal this season but let’s keep that quite) as a world-class performer but he had the service of Giggs and Beckham and
failed to score a single goal outside the penalty area. Until he can call himself European Player of the Year he will fail to eclipse our own number 10.
Michael Owen is undoubtedly going through a difficult spell but there is no doubt he will come through it. As long as we supporters continue to support he will rise above the insignificant comments of the mass media. Whether he
scores tonight or Saturday, Michael Owen will be back and that can only be good for Liverpool Football Club.