"No-one can ever say he doesn't produce the goods week in, week out. He is such a whole-hearted player. In the Champions League performances - Juventus and Chelsea especially - he has been fantastic," said Owen.
"I played alongside him ever since I made my debut - unless he was injured or I was injured, we were never apart. It's nice that he is getting the recognition.
"He has played at right-back, centre-midfield, left-back and, since Mr Benitez has come in, he has settled in at centre-half and broken what was an unbelievable partnership in Sami Hyypia and Stephane Henchoz.
"I suppose there were a few eyebrows raised when he did that but it has worked. And Jamie is Liverpool through and through.
"When you think he is perceived to be fifth England centre-half behind Ledley King, John Terry, Rio and Sol then we must be the most blessed country in the world for defenders."