by JBG » Fri Jun 25, 2004 10:37 pm
I'm only being pedantic with you Stu about the pedantic comment!
Owen's finish against Portugal was top quality. The ball went over his shoulder and had he turned to face goal the ball would have run on into the keeper's hands. His swivel and powered flick was top quality.
I'm a big fan of Owen's and for years I have thought that if Owen really caught fire and scored 30 league goals, he could have won the league for Houllier.
Unfortunately he has struggled with injury a lot at times and while he can't be blamed for that, it is both frustrating for player and fans.
I have been disapointed in that he hasn't developed to the level I (and everyone else) expected of him a couple of years ago. I'm not saying that he won't achieve his potential, but the last 24 months or so have left me with nagging doubts as to whether he will.
Baros' true ability in a Liverpool shirt is still a mystery, mainly because of injury. His form has been excellent for the Czech Republic and I think it earns him a right to be at least given a chance to show what he can do for Liverpool. Its a hard one to call as Owen is still No. 1, Cisse is obviously going to be played a lot given that we will have spent £14m on him, so I'm scratching my head as to where exactly that leaves Baros.
I have a nasty feeling that Baros could be a problem for Benetiz when he comes home. I think that he will feel that he deserves a first team place and if he doesn't get one (and this is likely unless Owen was to reject a contract and we had to sell him in July) then Baros could start whinging and asking for a transfer. There is already a precedent for this: in 2002 Baros threatened to leave LFC as Phil Thompson wouldn't play him when he first arrived.
I think its very unfair for people to single Owen out for having a bad Euro 2004. He was forced to play very far forward by Erickson to allow space for Rooney in the hole. Despite this he still scored 1 goal and set up two others (and had a major part in a third). He had an ok tournament, but I wouldn't say he was poor.
Jolly Bob Grumbine.