Steven Gerrard has reluctantly settled the long-running debate over who was the better Liverpool striker between Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen, offering a nuanced verdict that acknowledges the distinct qualities of both players.
Gerrard's Verdict on the Two Strikers
Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, the former Liverpool captain said: "[They're] very different. I would say Fowler was a better natural finisher. But in terms of sort of like fear, in terms of pace, movement... [Owen was superior]. I had a real top connection with Michael Owen; it was like we were just on a wavelength together."
Gerrard, who made his Reds debut in 1998, added: "Both had a period [when they were exceptional]. Up until Michael did his hamstring, he was world-class and up there with the best strikers in the world."
Fowler and Owen's Own Arguments
The debate has rumbled on for years, with both players having previously had their say. Fowler once told Simon Jordan's Up Front show that he was the better player, saying: "He was quicker than me, but in every other element of being a striker, I genuinely think I was better than him. He could say the exact opposite but that is just my opinion and my self-confidence. I was better in every aspect of being a striker. Michael wasn't the best player at Liverpool when I played, but I remember him coming through at the club and you could see that he was different class."
Owen begged to differ, citing his record with both Liverpool and England. He said: "I would expect him to say that. Listen, when I played for Liverpool, who did the manager pick? When I played for England, who did the manager pick? I mean, I don't have to say it – it was said for me."
Gerrard's Personal Connection
Gerrard grew up idolising Fowler, watching him from The Kop before eventually lining up alongside him. He said: "I didn't play with Robbie when he was getting 30 goals a season. I came a bit later when he'd had his injuries and he wasn't the player he was when he was 18 to 23. I used to pay and watch him on The Kop and Robbie Fowler and Jamie Redknapp were my two heroes. Steve McManaman as well. I had the shirts with their names on, then you're sitting with them [in the dressing room] and they sort of become your mates."
While few are better qualified than Gerrard to weigh up the qualities of both players, this particular argument looks set to rumble on for years to come.
