Wayne Rooney has been embroiled in a debate with Michael Owen over who was the better player at 17, and he appears to have now settled the argument once and for all
Wayne Rooney smiles and applauds
Wayne Rooney has spoken about Michael Owen(Image: Alex Livesey - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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Wayne Rooney has humorously conceded that Michael Owen was "clearly" a superior footballer at the age of 17. The Manchester United legend had the final say during the latest episode of Match of the Day.
The two have recently found themselves embroiled in a debate over who was more talented in their debut years. The discussion began when Owen said 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."
In response, Rooney said: "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 heated national debate about who was the superior player, it seems Rooney has finally put the argument to bed. During Saturday evening's Match of the Day, following Bukayo Saka's 100th goal involvement in Arsenal's 2-0 victory over West Ham, Gabby Logan presented a chart showing players who have achieved the same feat and the number of games it took them, reports the Mirror.
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.
Bukayo Saka celebrates a goal
Bukayo Saka was in fine form against West Ham(Image: Getty Images)
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"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...those 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 then extended Arsenal's advantage in the second period, calmly slotting home from 12 yards after Jurrien Timber was fouled inside the West Ham penalty area.
Both Rooney and Owen enjoyed remarkable playing careers in England's top flight. Rooney presently occupies third position in the Premier League's all-time goalscoring charts with 208 goals for Everton and Manchester United, trailing only Shearer and Harry Kane who have netted 260 and 213 goals respectively.
Owen, however, didn't make the top 10 despite scoring 150 goals during his remarkable career with Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Stoke City.
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