Steven Gerrard Asserts Michael Owen Was Superior As A Teenager Compared To Yamal And Mbappe

Steven Gerrard Asserts Michael Owen Was Superior As A Teenager Compared To Yamal And Mbappe. Steven Gerrard believes Michael Owen outperformed Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe as a teenager. He highlights Owen’s record-breaking achievements during his youth.

Steven Gerrard has expressed his belief that Michael Owen, his former Liverpool teammate, was a superior player as a teenager compared to Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. This statement comes as both Yamal and Mbappe have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or this year. The Barcelona winger is considered a strong contender for the prestigious individual award.

In the 2024-25 season, Yamal showcased remarkable talent by scoring 18 goals and providing 21 assists for Hansi Flick’s team. His contributions helped them secure victories in LaLiga, the Supercopa de Espana, and the Copa del Rey. Additionally, Yamal completed more dribbles than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues, with a total of 244.

Kylian Mbappe also had an impressive debut season with Madrid. He became the club’s highest-scoring player in their first campaign, surpassing Ivan Zamorano’s record of 37 goals from the 1992-93 season by netting 43 times across all competitions. This achievement highlights Mbappe’s exceptional goal-scoring ability.

Among players in Europe’s top five leagues last season, only Mohamed Salah (57), Raphinha (56), and Harry Kane (49) contributed more goals than Mbappe’s 48 across all competitions. Despite these impressive statistics, Gerrard maintains that Owen was a better teenage player than both Yamal and Mbappe.

Gerrard played alongside Owen at Liverpool for six years before Owen moved to Real Madrid. During their time together, Owen won the Ballon d’Or in 2001, finishing ahead of Madrid legend Raul and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn. He became the fourth Englishman to win the award after Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, and Kevin Keegan.

Owen made his debut at 17 in 1996 and holds the record for most Premier League goals scored by a teenager with 40 goals in 79 matches before turning 20. In addition, he set the record for most Premier League goals scored by a teenager in a single calendar year with 25 goals in 1998.

Gerrard’s Perspective on Young Talent

In the season when Owen won the Ballon d’Or, he recorded 31 goal contributions (24 goals and seven assists) as Liverpool triumphed in the UEFA Cup, FA Cup, and EFL Cup. Gerrard told ESPN: “Well, the other two are chasing the Ballon d’Or and one’s got one.” He added that respect is due to Michael Owen for being voted the best player globally.

“I played with him,” Gerrard continued. “He was an incredible teenager. So I’d have to say Michael Owen [as the best]. But what I would say is: Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, wow, they’re two incredible players.”

The achievements of Yamal and Mbappe are noteworthy as they pursue football’s top individual prize. However, Gerrard’s admiration for Owen’s teenage prowess remains evident through his comments on their respective careers.