Michael Owen can solely think about what his trophy cupboard would have seemed like if he had entry to fashionable sports activities science in his heyday.
The previous England striker received the Ballon d’Or on the age of 21, however accidents noticed his profession finish early, simply 12 years later, at Stoke Metropolis.
6
Owen has since revealed that the harm that set the scene for the health points that plagued his profession truly came about at age 19.
Two seasons earlier than he was topped European Footballer of the 12 months, the ex-Liverpool star tore his hamstring in opposition to Leeds in April 1999.
Premier League gamers would now endure surgical procedure, however it was determined that rehab would suffice for Owen to keep away from a prolonged layoff.
Throughout an interview with talkSPORT.com, through betting website BetSelect, Owen was requested whether or not the developments in sports activities science would have helped forestall his continual accidents if he broke by means of right now.
learn extra on Michael Owen
“100 per cent. Completely,” the 45-year-old replied.
“One, stopping them, however two, once they go unsuitable, then the best way of fixing them could be vastly completely different these days than what they had been in my day.
“So yeah. Completely. No query.”
The selection for Owen to not go below the knife after that harm at Elland Highway meant he simply allowed his hamstring to reattach.
For the rest of his profession, the 89-cap England star was enjoying with three tendons in considered one of his hamstrings and two within the different.
His proper leg additionally contained a ruptured hamstring that reattached itself within the unsuitable place, which precipitated an imbalance when he ran.
6
6
Owen’s harm historical past
For a participant who relied closely on his uncooked tempo, the previous Actual Madrid ahead was pressured to vary his enjoying fashion.
Nonetheless, the knock-on impact of his imbalanced hamstrings additionally meant considered one of his limbs was stronger than the opposite.
Thus, Owen’s weaker leg elevated the stress on different components of his physique with the intention to attempt to match the calls for of elite-level soccer.
A metatarsal downside plagued him at Newcastle earlier than he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament harm through the 2006 World Cup.
That latter challenge solely accelerated the gradual decline Owen had been enduring, with a number of groin and calf accidents additionally needling him.
6
Owen vs Rooney
The Chester-born attacker just lately precipitated a stir by claiming that he was a greater expertise at 17 than England teammate Wayne Rooney.
“We will solely decide [my career] on what I did,” Owen informed talkSPORT.
“And other people noticed what I did within the few years that I had after I was injury-free.
“These issues included successful a Golden Boot within the Premier League at 17 and 18 years previous and being the second youngest ever Ballon d’Or winner.
“So for those who take these 5 years, after which say, let’s simply copy that for one more 10 years, then I can solely think about what would have occurred.”
6
What have others stated in regards to the debate?
Scott Minto, who performed in opposition to each gamers throughout his time at West Ham, just lately claimed Owen made a mistake in instigating the comparability between him and Rooney.
Talking on the Saturday Session, he stated: “Look, the place do I’m going with this? As a result of I’ve acquired the utmost respect for Michael Owen.
“I’ve stated on a number of events – even just lately, after we’ve talked about Arsenal needing a purpose scorer – I stated, an instance I take advantage of is performed in opposition to Michael Owen.
“We performed rather well at Anfield (2002/03 season), he had in all probability 5 touches of the ball, two of them went behind the online.
“We’re on the coach on the best way residence, pondering what the heck occurred there, that is what a world-class striker can do.
6
“However why, to start with, why are you getting concerned, Michael? Truthfully, you needn’t, you actually needn’t, you are higher than that.
“Let all people have their very own arguments, you have acquired your resolution made in your individual thoughts and rightly so.
“And Wayne Rooney can be pondering the alternative as effectively, and it is clearly – not simply subjective – however a tribalistic factor.
“I am certain Liverpool followers are pondering one factor, United followers will assume one other..
“However look, what I might say is, in my private opinion, that Michael Owen, whereas he was a real world-class purpose scorer, I believe Wayne Rooney’s one of many best gamers this nation has ever produced.”
