6 hours ago
18
In the latest episode of Match of the Day, Wayne Rooney conceded that Michael Owen was "clearly" a superior footballer at 17.
The Manchester United legend and Liverpool icon has recently been embroiled in a friendly dispute over who possessed more talent during their respective breakout years.
The discussion first sparked when Owen revealed on the Rio Ferdinand podcast: "I saw Wazza got asked who was the best out of us at the age of 17 or 18. And I did smile," before adding: "The only person you could possibly compare me to in our country is Wayne Rooney."
Rooney, in response to Owen's remarks, explained: "I think his comments are fair. Of course, he's going to back himself. I'd back myself. But, I'd never judge myself against Michael Owen because he's someone I actually looked up to and had the pleasure of playing alongside."
After a nationwide debate over who was the superior player, it seems Rooney has now put the argument to bed. On Saturday evening's Match of the Day, following Bukayo Saka's 100th goal involvement during Arsenal's 2-0 victory over West Ham, Gabby Logan presented a chart of players who have achieved the same feat and the number of games it took them.
Rooney and Alan Shearer were also present during this discussion.
The presenter added: "You're just behind Michael Owen, he's top of the pops there, for players with 100 Premier League goal involvements and how few games they've got there - 153 for Michael, 187 for you, 212 for Bukayo."
To which, Rooney replied, "Yeah, I think that clearly shows that Michael was a better player than I was at that age," before erupting with laughter. He then added: "But no, I think for Saka, he's such an important player for Arsenal and for England.
"I think over the last three or four years, he's probably been Arsenal's most important player. He's had a few injuries which have affected...them numbers would even better if that weren't the case I believe. But yeah, he's such an incredible player."
Declan Rice broke the deadlock against his former side on Saturday afternoon with a precisely-placed effort beyond Alphonse Areola into the top left corner after 38 minutes. Saka subsequently extended Arsenal's advantage in the second period, calmly slotting home from 12 yards following Jurrien Timber's foul in the West Ham penalty area.
Both Rooney and Owen enjoyed remarkable playing careers in the Premier League. Rooney presently occupies third position in the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorers with 208 strikes for Everton and Manchester United, trailing Shearer and Harry Kane who have netted 260 and 213 respectively.
Owen, on the other hand, didn't make it into the top 10, despite scoring 150 goals throughout his remarkable career with Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Stoke City.
English (US) ·