Michael Owen: Legend or villain?

Legend, model professional

At just 1.73m and with a diminutive physique that is hardly suited for the modern game, nobody would have dared put money on Owen achieving what he did in his career.

But not only did the Englishman rise above his physical disadvantage, he actually made himself into one of the lethal strikers the English game has ever seen.

Able to finish with both feet and incredibly competent in the air in spite of his aerial disadvantage, Owen is arguably one of the most complete strikers in modern day football - backed up by his incredible 221 career goals in 473 games. That's nearly a goal every other game.

He is also one of the best role models of the game. Like any modern football star, Owen has never lacked for fame and money. Yet one can hardly remember seeing him on the back pages of newspapers for the wrong reasons.

The Kop may not have forgiven him yet for going over to the "enemy" side, but when Michael Owen hangs up his boots, it would be no surprise to see all rising to applaud a man who has given us some of the game's most memorable moments.

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