Michael Owen has picked his all time Premier League XI and there were some big omissions.
The former Liverpool and England international was tasked to pick his team on the weekend that the Premier League celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Starting with the goalkeeper, Owen picked Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel.
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Owen said on Premier League Productions: “Peter Schmeichel for me. He backs it up with trophies. He was involved in the greatest team of that generation.”
Moving on to the defence. Owen opted for an all English back four. Made up of two former United players in the shape of Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand, alongside them, Chelsea duo John Terry and Ashley Cole.
Owen did give an honourable mention to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
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He said: “One other name that I had in my mind was Virgil van Dijk. I think he’s the best defender in the world. I think he’s, possibly, as a one-year the best defender I’ve ever seen. But he’s not done it for long enough yet.”
Owen described picking the midfield three as the hardest decision due to the large amount of world class midfielders that the Premier League has seen.
Eventually, Owen decided on his midfield. He picked former Arsenal man Patrick Vieira, United legend Paul Scholes and former teammate Steven Gerrard.
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Owen stated that Gerrard was the first pick in his midfield.
He said: “The first name that went in, Steven Gerrard. He went in straight away. He had absolutely everything.
“He’s too big, too strong, too fast, amazing in the air, amazing tackler, amazing shooter of the ball. Scored goals, assists, passing was perfection. What can’t Steven Gerrard do?
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“Big names, you want him next to you. Honestly, just the best.”
Owen also spoke about the midfielders that he has had to leave out.
The former Real Madrid man added: “There’s Lampard, there’s Toure, there’s Roy Keane. If De Bruyne keeps going he’s going to have to muscle in there somewhere.”
Owen then moved on to his attacking trio.
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Cristiano Ronaldo, Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry made the cut. Owen described Henry as the best player that has ever graced the Premier League.
There was however, no place for England’s top goal scorer, Wayne Rooney.
Owen said: “Very, very difficult to leave out Wayne Rooney.”
Here is Owen’s team in full.
Topics: Premier League, Michael Owen, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United