Owens says Martial needs to be more consistent for Manchester United

Former Manchester United star Michael Owen believes Anthony Martial should be more consistent with his performances upfront for the Red Devils. The France international has experienced a mixed season for the Mancunian giants this term but he has still managed to contribute nine goals in all competitions.


Out of those, two came during the 4-1 league win over Newcastle United where he pounced upon the Magpies’ defensive errors but Owen still has question marks over the forward’s consistency. Speaking on Premier League productions, Owen said that the Frenchman needs to produce the same level of performances on a regular basis, he told: “I think when we talk about consistency, Martial would be the one you would label. If Manchester United were back and firing on all cylinders at the top of the table, I think he would be much more consistent as a player.”

Michael Owen praises Liverpool’s mentality under Jurgen Klopp

Former Liverpool star Michael Owen believes his former club could cruise to their maiden Premier League title due to the strong mentality of the players under Jurgen Klopp. The Reds missed out on the English crown by the solitary point to Manchester City last season but they made up for the same by winning the Champions League.

Still, a section of the supporters were deeply disappointed with the league setback but it appears that the club could bring them happiness in the current campaign where they are genuine favourites to win the league title after three decades. Speaking on BT Sport, Owen said that Klopp has instilled a winning mentality within the team, who have the belief that they are going to win the Premier League crown.

Michael Owen feels Carroll can make the difference for Newcastle United

Former Liverpool and Newcastle United star Michael Owen believes the return of Andy Carroll should provide a boost for the Magpies going forward. The England international rejoined the Magpies on a free transfer this summer and he only made his debut against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend after recovering from an ankle problem.
Carroll could not help the Magpies to find the winning goal in a 0-0 draw and he was still lively on the playing field during a 10-minute cameo, where he was hugely appreciated by the fans. Speaking on Premier League Matchday Live, Owen said that manager Steve Bruce would be delighted with the return of Carroll and believes the marksman should provide a lift to the team during the coming games.


“I think he would have been delighted to get Andy Carroll on as well. That would have been a relief,” he told after the goalless stalemate. “It is just that momentum. He doesn't have to do anything. Just him being on the pitch gives them a lift and for him to only play 10 minutes plus injury time was a big sigh of relief for the Brighton camp.”

Kompany says van Dijk is the best centre-back in Premier League history

Belgian star Vincent Kompany has said that Virgil van Dijk is probably the best central defender in Premier League history despite arriving late at the scene. The Netherlands international started his career from the lower leagues across Europe but he is now regarded as one of the best players in the world after contributing towards Liverpool’s Champions League success last term.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Kompany said that he can’t compare himself with some of the best centre-backs to have played in the Premier League. When pressed further about the best player in the position, the Belgian stated that Van Dijk can be placed ahead of the likes of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand after transforming the fortunes of Liverpool.

Owen lauds Wilfred Ndidi’s equalising goal for Leicester City against Chelsea

Sky Sports pundit Michael Owen has lauded midfielder Wilfred Ndidi after he managed to redeem himself during the Premier League clash against Chelsea. The Leicester City ace was guilty of handing the Blues with a seventh-minute goal after he was dispossessed by Mason Mount, who bagged his maiden Premier League strike.

Thereafter, the Foxes managed to gain control of the game with most of the action in the centre of the park and they eventually found the equaliser after the hour mark following a wonderful header from Ndidi, who are unguarded from a corner. Speaking after the game, Owen praised the qualities demonstrated by the Nigeria international, who made up for the mistake at the beginning of the encounter.

Virgil van Dijk pleased Liverpool youngster has left the club

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is pleased that Rafael Camacho has made the return to Sporting this summer. The 19-year-old managed just two appearances with the Reds during the course of the campaign and that urged him to make the return to Portugal rather than considering an extension with the Merseyside outfit.

Speaking to O Jogo, Van Dijk said that Camacho has plenty of potential within himself and he is pleased that the youngster will continue his development with Sporting, he told: "He is still young, has a lot to learn. He has been in Sporting's youth set-up and probably feels like returning home. I am happy for him and I hope he is happy. He has quality and he knows what he has to do, because we all know that there are many players who have quality, but then they lack the rest."

Michael Owen reacts positively to Lampard becoming Chelsea manager

Liverpool legend-turned-pundit Michael Owen has backed Frank Lampard to be a success with Chelsea while hoping that the move paves way for the recruitment of more young English managers at the highest level. The 40-year-old took charge as the new head coach of Chelsea on Thursday following a prolonged wait where the Blues were settling on a compensation package with Derby County.

Writing on his official Twitter account, Owen suggested that every managerial appointment has a risk and put Pep Guardiola and Zinedine Zidane as prime examples during the beginning of their jobs. He added that Lampard can prove a success with the west London side and hopefully provide the confidence for other clubs to choose young English managers.

Michael Owen praises Liverpool after Champions League success

Michael Owen has praised the current crop of Liverpool players after they ended the long wait for a trophy with the Champions League title. The Reds had not won any form of silverware since the 2012 League Cup but they managed to end the piece of unwanted history by beating Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League crown.

Speaking on BT Sport, Owen applauded the efforts of the Reds team and said that the Champions League glory could be the beginning of a cycle of success under Jurgen Klopp, he told: “It’s absolutely brilliant. Liverpool have played so well all season and what have they been given for it in the Premier League? Nothing. So who cares if they played well or poorly – the main thing today was getting over that line and getting your hands on that trophy, because this team are unbelievable. This is their cycle now. They have to win trophies while they’re at the top of their game. And they’ve gone and won the big one for starters.”

Pages

Subscribe to Michael Owen RSS