Houllier said:"Before becoming a father he scored four goals, and when you have a first child it is a special moment. He has looked buoyant since the birth and I believe he can only get better now. "I knew would be extremely sharp and efficient in the last part of the season, but next season you could even see a different Michael Owen." "Michael has worked a lot on his fitness and built up his strength," Houllier said. "That has helped him overcome his hamstring problems and his game has improved dramatically in terms of physique, skill and use of the ball. "He now looks as if he is becoming a key player in the link between midfield and the strikers. But also he seems to be creative and not only rely on speed, even when he has very little space. "On top of all that, he has great confidence and self-belief in himself. Good attitude and enthusiasm are the top two ingredients to become a top player when you have talent - and he certainly has that."