IAN RUSH claims Michael Owen is a better player now than he was a year ago - even though the Liverpool striker is enduring the worst scoring drought of his career.
Owen's blank against Basel in the Champions League means he has managed just that one goal from the penalty spot in 10 games for Liverpool and England this season.
Compare that with 12 months ago when Owen had banged in 13 goals for club and country, including that hat-trick in Munich.
Despite these stark statistics, Reds scoring legend Rush, who amassed 306 goals for Liverpool in his two spells at Anfield, said: "The goals may not be going in for Michael, but I believe he's a better player than he was 12 months ago.
"That comes with age and experience. He's still only 22, but has been playing Premiership and international football regularly for five years. His game has improved and the experience of leading England's attack in the World Cup has given him an added dimension."
Owen's misery continued at Anfield against Basel and boss Gerard Houllier admitted afterwards that he is lacking in confidence.
But Rush, who was at the Basel game, has no doubts Owen will soon start scoring again and he reckons he will emerge a better all-round player. "Despite his current run, Michael still has a swiftness about him and a knack of creating chances," he said. "What I like about him is that he's not scared to miss. I would be more worried if he were not getting in there and creating his own chances.
"All strikers have these sort of spells and I know the Liverpool crowd are right behind him, as they used to be with me whenever I had the odd barren run.
"Gerard Houllier will know that his scoring touch will return and when it does, he will have a player who scores goals at will and is also capable of turning provider."
And Norwegian midfielder John Arne Riise agrees with Rush. He said: "I've no doubt at all that Michael will be among the top scorers in the league by the end of the season."