We Need to Talk About Michael

What is the defining statement about Michael Owens’ career? Will he be most remembered for the goal-scoring exploits he exhibited for Liverpool FC and England? Or will it be the injury interrupted and bench warming periods he endured at Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Manchester United?

His time at Stoke could, and probably will, provide the answer to this question. It’s a move in many ways that makes sense. Stoke don’t have a player in the same mould as Owen. He could work well in a big-man little-man combination with Peter Crouch and of course, The Potteries is near to his Cheshire home.

I have to say I thought Owen was dropped rather prematurely from the England squad. At the time, he probably still had something to offer and but clearly didn’t fit in with Fabio Capello’s plans. For quite some time Owen believed with understandable justification that he could cut it for England, however the Italian didn’t see it this way and he was out.

Owen’s record throughout his career is impressive – he has scored goals wherever he has played. Although it’s interesting to note that he has never scored more than 20 in one season. The move to Stoke could make him the focal point of their forward line and he undoubtedly has the ability to provide a bit more of a threat than they currently offer, but can he stay fit? That’s the big question.

For starters, he has passed a medical, so any worries about those knees or hamstrings could be temporarily calmed – and we all know that Stoke’s medical staff are sticklers for detail, having stuck the brakes on Demba Ba’s move a couple of seasons back. If he does keep himself injury free, then the chance to score goals is there. Owen might not possess that electric pace that was once a hallmark of his game but he will no doubt have adapted his movement and position to compensate for that, to a certain extent.

Then there’s the question of whether Stoke and Owen are a good fit? Amazingly, since they were promoted to the Premier League, Stoke have never recorded more than 50% possession in a match. It’s an unbelievable stat, perhaps giving weight to the fact that Tony Pulis is in favour of a long ball, direct approach. This might not suit Owen that well, whereas someone like Peter Crouch is better able to slot into this style.

The only thing that Pulis could do is to adapt Stoke’s style of play to suit Owen, who has never been one to thrive when the ball is sailing over his head. It’s questionable whether the likes of Dean Whitehead could provide the incisive passing that Owen craves - Michael Kightly is is more likely to achieve this.

At 32, almost 33, and judging by what he’s said in the past, Stoke will probably be his last club. If he isn’t a success here then Owen is unlikely to get another top-flight contract and he has previously expressed his unwillingness to drop down to the lower leagues. If he is successful however, he’ll most likely get an extension and continue on to 34, or maybe even beyond that.

They do say you’re remembered for what you did last, so this is the final opportunity for Owen to prove he still has what it takes. For a man who last started his last Premier League game a year ago (against the Potters), this is a chance he cannot afford to miss, because it’s his final one.

~Ian Bendelow