Michael Owen can solely think about what his trophy cupboard would have regarded like if he had entry to trendy 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.
Owen has since revealed that the damage that set the scene for the health points that plagued his profession really befell 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 bear surgical procedure, nevertheless it was determined that rehab would suffice for Owen to keep away from a prolonged layoff.
Throughout an interview with talkSPORT.com, by way of betting web site 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 at the moment.
“100 per cent. Completely,” the 45-year-old replied.
“One, stopping them, however two, once they go mistaken, then the way in which of fixing them can be vastly completely different these days than what they have been in my day.
“So yeah. Completely. No query.”
The selection for Owen to not go beneath the knife after that damage 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 one among his hamstrings and two within the different.
His proper leg additionally contained a ruptured hamstring that reattached itself within the mistaken place, which brought about an imbalance when he ran.
Owen’s damage historical past
For a participant who relied closely on his uncooked tempo, the previous Actual Madrid ahead was pressured to alter his enjoying type.
Nonetheless, the knock-on impact of his imbalanced hamstrings additionally meant one among his limbs was stronger than the opposite.
Thus, Owen’s weaker leg elevated the stress on different components of his physique with a purpose to attempt to match the calls for of elite-level soccer.
A metatarsal drawback plagued him at Newcastle earlier than he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament damage throughout the 2006 World Cup.
That latter concern solely accelerated the gradual decline Owen had been enduring, with a number of groin and calf accidents additionally needling him.
Owen vs Rooney
The Chester-born attacker just lately brought about a stir by claiming that he was a higher expertise at 17 than England teammate Wayne Rooney.
“We are able to solely choose [my career] on what I did,” Owen informed talkSPORT.
“And other people noticed what I did within the few years that I had once 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 should you take these 5 years, after which say, let’s simply copy that for an additional 10 years, then I can solely think about what would have occurred.”
What have others mentioned concerning 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 mentioned: “Look, the place do I am going with this? As a result of I’ve bought the utmost respect for Michael Owen.
“I’ve mentioned on a number of events – even just lately, once we’ve talked about Arsenal needing a objective scorer – I mentioned, an instance I take advantage of is performed in opposition to Michael Owen.
“We performed very 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 way in which dwelling, considering what the heck occurred there, that’s what a world-class striker can do.
“However why, to start with, why are you getting concerned, Michael? Truthfully, you don’t have to, you actually don’t have to, you’re higher than that.
“Let everyone have their very own arguments, you’ve bought your choice made in your personal thoughts and rightly so.
“And Wayne Rooney will likely be considering the other as properly, and it’s clearly – not simply subjective – however a tribalistic factor.
“I’m certain Liverpool followers are considering 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 objective scorer, I believe Wayne Rooney’s one of many best gamers this nation has ever produced.”
