The
explosive days of his England youth may be behind him, but Michael
Owen still represents a dangerous threat to opposition defences. Get
him on the pitch, and he will score.
The image of a teenage
Michael Owen, weaving his way effortlessly through the Argentina
defence, dragging a sluggish England to their feet with a powerful
yet majestic slalom and finish, will live long in the memory for most
of us. The explosion of a prodigious talent circa 1998 is epitomized
by the effortless grace of that World Cup goal; direct,
aggressive, composed, beautiful.
How things have
changed. At 32 years of age, after a fifth season in seven years in
which he has failed to reach 20 league games, Michael Owen will find
himself a free agent following his release from Manchester United.
What now, for a striker
adamant that he remains a physical force capable of competing amongst
England's
elite? Analysing his statistical record, and
the comparatively small dent he would make in prospective suitors
wage budgets, substantiates Owen's claims that he can still 'score
goals at the highest level', even if the pace and agility of his
exhilarating youth are now only fading memories. Owen could provide a
valuable (if not part-time) service for a number of Premier League
clubs.
Absence from United
side: injury, or competition?
Explanation for Owen's
release and desperately unfortunate recent history is unnecessary;
injury problems have plagued the once great striker for over a
decade. A dark cloud has lurked ominously over the head of the
prolific goalscorer throughout his career, threatening to overshadow
his talent; threatening to descend upon him in his prime; and
threatening to ground his dribbles and slaloms to a halt.
Owen's medical woes
have only exacerbated as his career has progressed, culminating in a
measly 13 league appearances in two Manchester United seasons.
However, despite spending 13 months of his 35 at United on the
treatment table, there is another blindingly obvious reason for the
absence of first-team opportunities afforded to him by Ferguson.
These reasons are: Rooney, Welbeck, Berbatov, and Hernandez. Four
very good reasons.
In fact, Owen's
groan-inducing reputation as an injury prone player masks the hidden
truth behind his abject appearance record – that he was
consistently the fourth or fifth choice striker at Old Trafford for
the entire duration of his tenure. His underwhelming twelve
appearances in two seasons (scoring twice) owes as much to his
inability to secure a place ahead of his world-class team mates as it
does to his permanently fragile hamstrings.
Owen's goalscoring
record at Man United
Two goals in twelve
games is an unattractive figure, but it is misleading: a number of
these appearances are as a substitute, and amount to several minutes
apiece. A statistic more representative of the truth is that Owen has
scored 2 goals in 230 league minutes; that amounts to 2 goals in 2.5
games, or a 0.8 goals to game ratio, higher than any player in
the league.
Admittedly, if Owen had
featured more times, this average would most likely be significantly
lower, and his absence from league matches is still insufficient
evidence for his prowess. Let us, then, ignore the misleading league
appearance statistics and analyse his record in the tournaments in
which he consistently played (as a result of Ferguson fielding weaker
teams to rest his star performers), namely the League Cup, FA Cup,
and Champions League.
19 games, 14 goals. A
commendable -nay, remarkable – record. The pinnacle of Europe's
goalscoring talent, playing with the confidence and technical
assurance that is built upon regular appearances, would be proud of
this statistic. Owen on the other hand, produced this form whilst
playing sporadically and amongst a group of individuals he cannot
have been used to playing alongside. It is a statistic that should
prick up the ears of a number of top level coaches across Europe.
Who would want him?
A similar record can,
of course, be found throughout his sparkling, if not consistent,
career. A brief homage to the proficiency of Michael Owen: Liverpool
– 297 games, 158 goals; Real Madrid – 45 games, with only 15
starts, 16 goals (highest goals to minutes ratio in La Liga);
Newcastle – 79 games, 30 goals. Not bad.
Owens' injury record
may prevent him from providing consistency at any potential club
(although he has been fully fit between August and January in all
three of his Man Utd seasons), but his comparably low wages make him
a low risk signing.
Owen is earning an
estimated £30 000 p/w in Manchester, with the remainder of his
contract dependant upon appearances – a 'pay-as-you-play' contract.
Admittedly, many Premier League clubs would be unwilling to part with
this figure, let alone on a player unlikely to figure each week.
However, analysing the
player's recent interviews, acceptance of a significant pay reduction
is highly likely. Owen's refusal to consider retirement is testament
to his passion for the game; playing football is a more significant
factor than monetary concerns, for a player described by Ferguson as
a 'consummate professional'.
In fact, Owen took a
£75 000 p/w pay cut to join Man United, further indicating his
willingness to sacrifice money if required. Three years and several
injuries later, Owen will be acutely aware of the unattractive figure
he has come to represent. An almost exclusively 'pay-as-you-play'
contract is a genuine possibility for any club that wishes to take a
gamble on, potentially, an outstanding marksman.
Aston Villa, Everton,
or Sunderland are all lacking in fire-power. Even Liverpool may
consider a deal viable. After all, Liverpool and Dalglish have
bemoaned their inability to convert chances into goals all season.
On a low wage with
appearance clauses, the financial gamble is minimal. In return, Owen
offers a service difficult to find, at any level. The explosive days
of his England youth may be behind him, but Michael Owen still
represents a dangerous threat to opposition defences. Get him on the
pitch, and he will score.
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