Football legends Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen have ignited a fiery debate, with the Manchester United icon staking a monumental claim about his rightful place in English football history. The explosive exchange occurred during a candid discussion on their mutual podcast, leaving former Liverpool striker Owen visibly taken aback.
The Bombshell Claim That Stunned Owen
The debate erupted as the two former England internationals delved into the topic of the nation's greatest ever number nine. With the composure of a man stating an undeniable fact, Rooney declared, "I've said this before, I'll say it again. I should have played number nine for England. I was better than you, I was better than (Alan) Shearer, I was better than (Harry) Kane."
The sheer audacity of the claim, which placed him above a trio of England's most prolific goalscorers, created a palpable tension. Owen's immediate reaction was one of pure astonishment, his expression a picture of disbelief at his co-host's bold assertion.
A Clash of Titans and Playing Styles
Never one to back down, Michael Owen swiftly mounted a defence, challenging Rooney's self-assessment. "I don't agree with that. I think I was a better number nine," Owen retorted, setting the stage for a classic clash of footballing philosophies.
The debate quickly evolved beyond mere statistics to a fundamental disagreement on the very role of a striker. Owen, the archetypal poacher with lightning pace, argued for the efficiency of a specialist finisher. Rooney, however, championed the virtues of the modern, complete forward—a player who drops deep, creates chances, and orchestrates play, all while scoring goals.
Owen stood firm: "I think a number nine's main job is to score goals and my strike rate for England is better than yours."
Beyond the Goals: The Deeper Argument
Rooney’s argument transcended simple goal tallies. He posited that his all-encompassing style offered more to the team, making him a more valuable asset overall, even if it sometimes meant sacrificing a personal scoring opportunity for the greater good of the team's structure.
This fascinating disagreement highlights a perennial discussion in football: is the pure goal-poacher or the creative link-up forward more valuable to a team? The podcast exchange provided no clear winner but offered a thrilling insight into the minds of two of England's most celebrated footballers and their unwavering belief in their own legacy.
