MICHAEL OWEN

POSITION : ATTACKER CENTRE

BORN: Chester 14.12.79
HEIGHT: 1.76 m
WEIGHT: 70 kg
LEAGUE APPEARANCES: 38

LEAGUE GOALS : 19

INFO :

France 98 - what price Michael Owen now? Every World Cup throws up one new star and this time round it was our turn to bring a goalscoring sensation to the biggest stage of the lot. Owen, just 18, was belatedly calle d upon by Glenn Hoddle but responded with two goals, the second of which - against Argentina - will surely be his launching-pad to super stardom. He may not be particularly tall but his stature is gigantic. Despite his shortage of inches Owen is good in the air but his great asset is his speed which so nearly brought Argentina to their knees. His finishing is simply deadly. He made just two Premiership appearances for Liverpool during 1996-97, scoring once, but a year laterhis impact was awesome with 18 g oals in 34 games; his Coca Cola Cup record was four games and four goals. He was also rightly dismissed against Manchester United but has hopefully learnt his lesson.

Michael Owen, a product of Liverpool's youth system burst on the scene towards the end of the 1996/97 season with a debut goal in the away draw with Wimbledon. He was given his first start later that week when Liverpool met Sheffield Wednesday. Michael was a constant threat in that match but he couldn't get the goal his performance deserved, he was still given the Man Of The Match award for his whole hearted performance. Unfortunately for Michael he didn't have another chance to impress that season, as that was the final match.

At the start of the 1997/98 season Michael was still in the Liverpool side, as Robbie Fowler was carrying an injury. Playing alongside the experienced Riedle, Michael again showed his natural talent, again scoring an equaliser against Wimbledon.

With Fowler missing games through injury and suspension Michael was given plenty of chances in the first team, and in a Coca-Cola Cup tie against Grimsby he scored his first hatrick.

Michael (18) is one of the most promising players in England and now has a regular first team place and is sure to be an Anfield favourite for years come.

PICTURE :

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