by LFC #1 » Mon Apr 26, 2004 12:32 am
I think this sums the reason why LFC need MO perfectly, taken from thisisanfield.com:
No doubt this will receive a mixed response but Michael Owen is set to sign a new deal to stay at Anfield for 2006 I believe. Rick Parry has confirmed that negotiations have taken place and both parties are satisisfied with how proceedings are going.
I am aware that Michael has split Liverpudlians down the middle this season with some inept displays but personally, I am overjoyed by this news.
Alright, Michael hasn't been at his best this season. He's struggled with form and injuries but has still managed to put away 17 goals in 34 games. Exactly 1 goal every 2 games. Not that bad really considering this has been one of his worst campaigns.
This proves that Michael is still the closest thing we have to a goalscorer. With Heskey being inconsistent, Baros lacking the finishing touches to his endeavour, Flo showing promise but naivety in front of goal and Diouf firing so many blanks he must be sterile; we rely on Michael's goals.
There have been question marks over his loyalty this season from some sections of the Liverpool faithful but I won't hear any of it. If Michael wasn't loyal, then why would he spend his whole career at the club and begin negotiating a new contract? I think it is an insult to one of our finest players in history to put his loyalty under the spotlight. I'll admit there have been times when he has been lacklustre but I think that is down to the formations he's been playing in. Michael needs a strike partner so playing him in a 4-5-1 at home is ludicrous. How would you feel if you were one of the best strikers in the world but had to put up with our poor excuse of a midfield supplying you with scraps that a dog would turn away?
The future of Liverpool will almost certainly be shaped around Owen and Gerrard. It is essential Michael stays. I've even heard talk that we should let Michael go because of Cisse's arrival. What if Cisse is another Diouf? The fact is, Michael is a proven goal scorer. Some things are inevitable in life. The sun rises in the east, sets in the west and Michael Owen scores goals.
