Michael Owen – The Empire of The Kop https://www.empireofthekop.com Blog about Liverpool F.C. (LFC) and the Kop from true supporters for supporters worldwide. Tue, 05 Dec 2023 19:50:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9 95610221 Michael Owen says 24-y/o Liverpool attacker has ‘got to do his talking on the pitch’ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/01/michael-owen-liverpool-attacker-admission/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/01/michael-owen-liverpool-attacker-admission/#respond Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:25:24 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=245562 Michael Owen has claimed that one Liverpool ace in particular has ‘got to do his talking on the pitch’ in order to nail down a regular spot in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI. Cody Gakpo has only started 50% of the Reds’ games this season (across all competitions) but did his chances of earning more regular […]

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Michael Owen has claimed that one Liverpool ace in particular has ‘got to do his talking on the pitch’ in order to nail down a regular spot in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.

Cody Gakpo has only started 50% of the Reds’ games this season (across all competitions) but did his chances of earning more regular minutes no harm whatsoever with a strong performance against LASK at Anfield last night.

The Netherlands international netted a brace as Klopp’s side secured a 4-0 victory and secured their passage through to the knockout stages of the Europa League with a game to spare.

The Liverpool squad is stacked with plenty of attacking quality this term but ex-Red Owen believes Gakpo must make one position his own in order to become undroppable.

“It’s good being versatile. But if he was that good, and he was one of the first names on the team sheet, he would only have one position. You don’t move Mo Salah from the right-hand side,” Owen told TNT Sports (via The Mirror).

“If he’s going to be a top player for Liverpool I think he’s got to put in performances whereby Jurgen Klopp says, ‘right, Cody Gakpo, in the team, in that position, because he’s so vital’. At the moment he fits in a little bit which probably helps him get games under his belt.

READ MORE: (Video) ‘What do you want me to do?’ – Owen reveals he tried for LFC move before joining Man Utd in 2009

“But I think he’ll want to be better than that to be a regular starter. I think the manager will decide that in terms of where he plays. He can just affect it by how he plays when he gets the chance like tonight, that’s the only way he can affect it as a player.

“You can’t knock on the manager’s door – well you can, but it’d be a pretty stupid thing to do to knock on the manager’s door and say ‘I’m only playing this position now’ because you might find yourself on the bench a lot of the time, so he’s got to do his talking on the pitch.”

Gakpo joined the club from PSV back in January and has threw in some decent performances but you can’t help but feel that there’s still a lot more to come from the 21-year-old.

During his time at his boyhood club in the Eredivisie, our No. 18 was deployed as a left winger who often cut inside and registered plenty of goal contributions.

Since moving to Merseyside, however, the Dutchman has played in numerous positions including as a central striker and as part of a midfield three.

It seems that Klopp is yet to decide where the forward is most effective but with the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota competing for the same positions as Gakpo – it was never going to be easy for him to break into the starting XI.

We’re confident that the Eindhoven-born talent will be a vital player for the club moving forward but it’s important that we remain patient.

📖 Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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(Video) ‘What do you want me to do?’ – Owen reveals he tried for LFC move before joining Man Utd in 2009 https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/01/owen-liverpool-man-utd-transfer-admission/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/01/owen-liverpool-man-utd-transfer-admission/#respond Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:45:10 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=245558 Michael Owen became known as a traitor back in 2009 when he decided to join Manchester United following the expiry of his contract at Newcastle. The 43-year-old scored 158 goals in 297 appearances for Liverpool between 1996-2004 before joining La Liga giants Real Madrid in a deal worth £8m. He was one of best strikers […]

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Michael Owen became known as a traitor back in 2009 when he decided to join Manchester United following the expiry of his contract at Newcastle.

The 43-year-old scored 158 goals in 297 appearances for Liverpool between 1996-2004 before joining La Liga giants Real Madrid in a deal worth £8m.

He was one of best strikers in world football during his time at Anfield and was the deserving winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2001 following Liverpool’s treble-winning campaign.

READ MORE: Journo says 21-y/o Liverpool man is ‘going to be some player’ when he gets ‘properly up to speed’

His relationships with Kopites soon turned sour in 2009, however, when the forward decided to head to Old Trafford on a free transfer.

Speaking to Simon Jordan on his Up Front podcast (via @ianyoungkop on X), Owen explained that his ‘first point of call’ when leaving Newcastle was to try and rejoin Liverpool.

The Chester-born former England international explained that he rang Jamie Carragher and asked the Scouser to speak to Brendan Rodgers to see if he was interested in bringing him back to L4.

This is rather confusing, though, as Rafa Benitez was in charge in 2009 and not Rodgers.

Our former No. 10 also mentioned that Liverpool were working on a deal to sign Robert N’Gog at the same time he was looking to head back to Merseyside.

We think you mean, David N’Gog, Michael!

Check the video below:

📖 Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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‘So dedicated…’ – Owen wowed by ‘model professional’ at Liverpool who’s ‘out of this world’ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/01/michael-owen-praise-dedicated-salah/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/01/michael-owen-praise-dedicated-salah/#respond Fri, 01 Dec 2023 10:28:11 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=245538 Michael Owen hailed one Liverpool player as ‘a model professional’ following the Reds’ 4-0 win over LASK at Anfield on Thursday night. The Reds cruised into the Europa League round of 16, ensuring top spot in the group thanks to their result and the draw between Toulouse and Union Saint-Gilloise. Mo Salah was inevitably among […]

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Michael Owen hailed one Liverpool player as ‘a model professional’ following the Reds’ 4-0 win over LASK at Anfield on Thursday night.

The Reds cruised into the Europa League round of 16, ensuring top spot in the group thanks to their result and the draw between Toulouse and Union Saint-Gilloise.

Mo Salah was inevitably among the LFC goalscorers, his penalty just after half-time taking him to within one goal of hitting 200 for the club.

Speaking on punditry duty for TNT Sports, Owen was raving about the dedication and professionalism of the 31-year-old, saying: “It’s not going to be long until he hits another landmark. He’s just been an incredible player. His consistency has been out of this world, in terms of his goals, his performances, his durability.

“He just doesn’t ever get injured. He lives in the gym, he’s so dedicated – he’s a model professional for anyone to look at.”

READ MORE: ‘Poker player…’ – Pundit spotted something about Mo Salah last night which concerned him

READ MORE: (Video) Jurgen Klopp couldn’t stop smiling after reporter’s question following Liverpool romp

Salah is indeed one of the most extraordinarily consistent players in world football, having struck a minimum of 23 goals in each of his six full seasons at Liverpool so far, a record he’s well on course to maintain this term with 13 to his name by the end of November (Transfermarkt).

He keeps himself in remarkably good shape, as was gloriously seen when he whipped off his shirt in celebration when scoring in the 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United earlier this year, duly displaying his ripped physique.

He turns 32 next summer, an age at which many footballers might begin to show signs of coming down off their peak. However, such is the Egyptian’s brilliance that he isn’t likely to wane for another few years yet.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Robert Lewandowski and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all continued to excel well into their 30s, and Salah looks like he’ll do the very same.

Hopefully that’ll still be in a Liverpool shirt, with the rumours over a possible move to Saudi Arabia next year not going away. Knowing Mo, however, he’ll have his sights set on smashing a few more unprecedented scoring feats at Anfield.

#Ep96 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones🎙

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‘I used to…’ – Sergio Aguero names the former Red who gave him an affection for Liverpool https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/11/24/aguero-michael-owen-liverpool-playstation/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 15:10:52 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=245200 Sergio Aguero has named the former Liverpool player who gave him a childhood affection for the Reds and who he would try to emulate in computer game form. Manchester City’s all-time record goalscorer was speaking to Stake (via GOAL) when he stated that he loved watching the Merseysiders as a boy, chiefly because of the […]

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Sergio Aguero has named the former Liverpool player who gave him a childhood affection for the Reds and who he would try to emulate in computer game form.

Manchester City’s all-time record goalscorer was speaking to Stake (via GOAL) when he stated that he loved watching the Merseysiders as a boy, chiefly because of the penalty box prowess of Michael Owen.

The Argentine said: “I used to like Liverpool when I was younger because of Owen, who had also started as a teenager. Even when I was playing on my PlayStation, I tried to play like Owen!”

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp gushes over ‘pretty special partnership’ which has developed at Liverpool

READ MORE: (Video) Jurgen Klopp had reporters bursting out laughing during Liverpool press conference

Owen burnt his bridges with many Liverpool fans when, five years after departing Anfield, he signed for our arch-rivals Manchester United, a move for which plenty haven’t forgiven him.

However, it’s beyond argument that the Reds’ former number 10 was a sublime goal-poacher, netting on his senior debut as a 17-year-old and going on to net 158 times in 297 appearances for the club (Transfermarkt).

That places him ninth in LFC’s all-time scoring charts, exceeding legends such as Ian St John, John Barnes and Kevin Keegan (lfchistory.net); and irrespective of what happened latterly in his career, it’s impossible to forget the late two-goal salvo to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the 2001 FA Cup final.

It’s a shame that Owen’s move to United eight years later tainted his Liverpool legacy among many supporters, but such is the deep-rooted rivalry between the two clubs that such a move was always going to be contentious.

It was also a pity that, having clearly liked the Merseyside club growing up, Aguero’s Premier League heroics came at Manchester City instead – although the calibre of forwards we’ve at Anfield over the past 10-12 years would be the envy of any team in world football!

📊EOTK Stats Pack: Man City v Liverpool – Form guide, the Reds vs previous EPL champions and MORE

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‘You’re just scumbags’ – Ex-Liverpool hero hits out at critics after TV appearance receives widespread backlash https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/11/15/youre-just-scumbags-ex-liverpool-hero/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/11/15/youre-just-scumbags-ex-liverpool-hero/#comments Wed, 15 Nov 2023 07:42:26 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=244762 With a return to international action meaning a break in club football, it hasn’t stopped one former Liverpool player from being on the receiving end of a barrage of abuse. Taking to his X account, Michael Owen wrote: ‘You’re just scumbags. Always have been. Trawl through a load of messages until you find a couple of […]

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With a return to international action meaning a break in club football, it hasn’t stopped one former Liverpool player from being on the receiving end of a barrage of abuse.

Taking to his X account, Michael Owen wrote: ‘You’re just scumbags. Always have been. Trawl through a load of messages until you find a couple of negative ones and then create an article. Most people thought the show was insightful and educational. Which is our aim’.

This came after the former forward’s most recent appearance on ‘Mic’d Up’ with Howard Webb, where the most controversial VAR decisions are discussed and analysed further with previously unheard conversations between the officials being shared.

READ MORE: Nyoni’s four-word take on maiden first-team involvement for Liverpool

Although there wasn’t a heavy involvement with Jurgen Klopp’s side in this edition (thankfully!), that didn’t stop some backlash for the way in which our former player dealt with the head of the PGMOL.

Dan Cancion wrote for The Mail Online‘Michael Owen panned for NOT challenging the former ref’.

There was widespread discussion online about the fact that the 43-year-old isn’t exactly the best placed presenter of the show.

READ MORE: (Video) Thomas Frank names Liverpool hero Premier League’s best

The presence of this review show should allow the chance for the head of the officials to explain the decisions but also for them to be held accountable for any errors.

If the host of the show is too friendly and laid back, then there’s little point of the former Manchester United man being there.

The former England international can strike out and call critics ‘scumbags’ all he likes but this is a position of great responsibility and should be handed to some qualified to handle it.

You can view Owen’s comments via his X account:

📖 Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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‘So impressed’: Michael Owen can’t get over how good ‘unbelievable’ Liverpool player has been https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/11/07/owen-stunned-unbelievable-liverpool-player/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/11/07/owen-stunned-unbelievable-liverpool-player/#comments Tue, 07 Nov 2023 21:02:26 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=244447 Michael Owen has lauded the contributions of Dominik Szoboszlai in his ‘unbelievably’ good opening season at Liverpool. The ex-England international pointed to the 23-year-old’s remarkable two-footedness as his crowning feature. “I think he has done unbelievably well to start his Liverpool career. Long way to go, so far – he has had an awfully good […]

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Michael Owen has lauded the contributions of Dominik Szoboszlai in his ‘unbelievably’ good opening season at Liverpool.

The ex-England international pointed to the 23-year-old’s remarkable two-footedness as his crowning feature.

“I think he has done unbelievably well to start his Liverpool career. Long way to go, so far – he has had an awfully good start,” the former Red told Premier League Productions ahead of his old before the clash at Kenilworth Road.

“He has created more chances in a Liverpool shirt than anybody else – how two-footed he is, is the immediate thing that impressed me. He can run. Pass. He can shoot. He can score goals and assist.

“He has been a real good asset to Liverpool already this season. He will only get better and better as a player. Gets around the pitch. Not scared to do his defensive duties. I think he is a real all-round player. He wins the ball back an awful lot as well. I have just been so impressed.”

The Hungarian international was far from impressive on the day, suffering alongside several reliable performers in a disappointing 1-1 draw against Luton Town.

READ MORE: ‘Super player’: Dean Ashton raves about 24-year-old LFC ace who’s getting better every game

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta doubles down on VAR hypocrisy in fresh comments; Klopp will be infuriated

What an astute summer signing

We can forgive the former RB Leipzig man for a poor outing in Bedfordshire; it’s been a one-off amongst an array of impressive showings in 2023/24.

We still can’t quite believe that no other side competed with Liverpool for his signature at what is increasingly looking like a snip at £60m.

Who could have possibly predicted that we’d replace our entire starting trio and not only improve on last year’s calamitous campaign but also be in the conversation for a potential title challenge?

Our recruitment team have struck again!

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Andre ticks a box, Liverpool have a ‘real top player’ with Kevin De Bruyne gift, unfair treatment of Nunez and much more!

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‘Sums him up’ – Michael Owen says ‘unbelievable’ Liverpool player is ‘still so rough around the edges’ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/11/02/michael-owen-liverpool-player-admission/ Thu, 02 Nov 2023 14:45:30 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=244174 Michael Owen has claimed the performance of one ‘unbelievable’ Liverpool player last night ‘sums him up at this stage of his career’. Darwin Nunez was the match winner for Jurgen Klopp’s side against Bournemouth with the Uruguayan curling a superb effort into the top corner during the second half of the League Cup clash at […]

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Michael Owen has claimed the performance of one ‘unbelievable’ Liverpool player last night ‘sums him up at this stage of his career’.

Darwin Nunez was the match winner for Jurgen Klopp’s side against Bournemouth with the Uruguayan curling a superb effort into the top corner during the second half of the League Cup clash at the Vitality Stadium.

Our No. 9 has now netted seven goals this term (across all competitions) and Owen believes the 24-year-old can be an ‘unbelievable player’.

READ MORE: (Video) What Cody Gakpo did moments after Kostas Tsimikas was decked by Bournemouth defender

Nunez has started the campaign in superb fashion for the Reds and it’s clear that he’s benefitted from another full pre-season with Klopp’s side.

His composure in front of goal has improved significantly while his impeccable work rate has remained as impressive as ever.

He’s a real favourite amongst Kopites and last night’s match winning performance will only strengthen his bond with supporters.

The exciting thing, as Owen has touched on, is that the ex-Benfica man can still improve a lot further.

He’ll be eager to be a part of Klopp’s starting XI for the trip to Luton on Sunday as he looks to continue his fine run of form.

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Andre ticks a box, Liverpool have a ‘real top player’ with Kevin De Bruyne gift, unfair treatment of Nunez and much more!

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Michael Owen says 26-y/o Liverpool man was the ‘difference-maker’ against Everton despite not scoring https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/10/22/owen-liverpool-player-difference-maker-admission/ Sun, 22 Oct 2023 20:30:18 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=243617 Michael Owen has praised the performance of Luis Diaz during yesterday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield. The Colombian didn’t manage to get himself on the scoresheet but was a constant threat down the left flank and was on the receiving end of the two fouls that resulted in Ashley Young’s dismissal in the first half. The […]

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Michael Owen has praised the performance of Luis Diaz during yesterday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield.

The Colombian didn’t manage to get himself on the scoresheet but was a constant threat down the left flank and was on the receiving end of the two fouls that resulted in Ashley Young’s dismissal in the first half.

The 26-year-old also won Jurgen Klopp’s side a penalty, which Mo Salah scored to open the scoring before adding a second in injury time, after his cross into the area was handled by Michael Keane.

“The only thing that he didn’t do was get on the scoresheet,” Owen told Premier League Productions (as quoted by HITC). “He has a hand in both of Ashley Young’s yellow cards and penalty.

“He was direct. Considering he has just come back from South America as well with that long-haul flight. He was very active today and a difference-maker.”

READ MORE: Peter Crouch says ‘really special’ Liverpool player has ‘been like a new signing’ this season; claims he’s worth £100m

Diaz was in South America earlier this week representing his nation against Uruguay and Ecuador.

Liverpool supporters would have understood had the winger not been at his usual best but it was clear from the off that he was eager to impress against Sean Dyche’s side.

He was direct whenever he got the ball and he’s a nightmare for full-backs with his energy and pace.

Salah may have got the plaudits for netting a brace but our No. 7 deserves credit for a brilliant, lively performance.

📖 Anfield Annals: Jimmy McInnes; Liverpool defender to club secretary to suicide on the Kop

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Michael Owen has a ‘message to Liverpool fans’ as Premier League title race is discussed https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/10/19/owen-liverpool-pl-title-race-message/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:40:08 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=243380 Michael Owen believes Liverpool can give Manchester City a run for their money this season and has urged Reds supporters to ‘keep the faith’ after the disappointing previous campaign. Jurgen Klopp’s side have started the season well winning five of their eight games which currently has them a point behind Manchester City and three points […]

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Michael Owen believes Liverpool can give Manchester City a run for their money this season and has urged Reds supporters to ‘keep the faith’ after the disappointing previous campaign.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have started the season well winning five of their eight games which currently has them a point behind Manchester City and three points behind league leaders Spurs.

Discussing this season’s title race ex-Red Owen insists Manchester City are ‘setting the bar high’ but believes the Anfield outfit are currently in a ‘relatively good place’ and can challenge Pep Guardiola’s side.

“Well, outside of Man City, they’ve [Liverpool] got as big a chance as anybody else,” he told AceOdds.com (via Liverpool Echo). “Arsenal are obviously an exceptional team and are getting better and better.

“Manchester City are the team to beat at the moment. I think it’s fair to say that Liverpool did take a little dip.

“Man City have been pretty relentless in how good they’ve been, and Liverpool were up there matching strides with them for years and years.

“But I do think it’s fair to say in the last year or so, they’ve taken a step back, and Man City have stolen the mark on them.

“They had a bit of a wobble, but I think they are back now playing good stuff. Whether it’s good enough to be as good as Man City is probably doubtful just at the moment.

READ MORE: Real Madrid ace cannot believe what Liverpool favourite did yesterday

“But they’re in a far better position than a lot of other teams. At the moment, a lot of other big teams are struggling, and Liverpool are still, you know, in a relatively good place.

“As I say, whether it’s good enough to be able to collect any trophies, time will tell. Man City are setting the bar high, but they are, you know, up there still.

“And I think if I was, well, if you were saying a message to Liverpool fans, it would be, you know, stay patient, keep the faith, all those types of things because they’re still competitive.”

The Sky Blues have won five of the last six Premier League titles with Liverpool’s success during the 2019/20 season briefly interrupting City’s supremacy.

The Etihad outfit have pipped us to the title by a single point on two separate occasions as well which has intensified our rivalry with the blue half of Manchester.

Arsenal proved last term that they have quality in their ranks to be competitive and their north London neighbours, Spurs, are also looking strong under new boss Ange Postecoglou.

It’s far too early to even discuss the title race in all honesty but let’s hope we’re still involved in the debate come May!

📖 Anfield Annals: Jimmy McInnes; Liverpool defender to club secretary to suicide on the Kop

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Michael Owen says Liverpool could make 24-year-old phenom way better with one change https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/10/12/owen-liverpool-player-could-be-way-better/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 13:34:51 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=242987 Michael Owen has expressed his excitement over the potential on offer from Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez. The TNT Sports pundit did admit that the pair could improve their finishing abilities, with both having a lot more to offer in the English top-flight. “I think Watkins has got so much talent and […]

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Michael Owen has expressed his excitement over the potential on offer from Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.

The TNT Sports pundit did admit that the pair could improve their finishing abilities, with both having a lot more to offer in the English top-flight.

“I think Watkins has got so much talent and when he is on, when he is confident and when he is in the right frame of mind, he’s absolutely brilliant,” the former Red was quoted as saying by BirminghamLive.

“I do think he could be more consistent. I do think him and Nunez could be better finishers. I don’t think it’s the team he plays for, not at all. I think Aston Villa are a great team that will have a brilliant season. In fact, they’re my tip to overachieve this season. I rate Ollie Watkins.

“I work on the tele and I have my horse business, do all this, but if I was a striker coach and I was offered two players in the Premier League to go and say, here’s a project, spend a year with two players in the Premier League and make them better, then I think the two people that you could get most out of would be Nunez and Ollie Watkins. I think there’s so much more to give from them both.”

The Uruguayan international has started the season brightly regardless, registering seven goal contributions (four goals and three assists) in 10 appearances this term (at a rate of a goal or assist every 67.28 minutes).

READ MORE: Liverpool now targeting ‘very exciting’ player Man City have already scouted – report

READ MORE: Szoboszlai and Mac Allister could stop LFC from making critical January signing

The 24-year-old’s latest glaring close-range miss against Royal Union Saint-Gilloise certainly proves that Nunez isn’t quite yet an elite finisher.

That’s not to suggest he isn’t contributing to the side’s overall success this season, of course, nor that he hasn’t made vast improvements to the defensive side of his game.

Just to think – once he does cut out those strange misses from his game, we’ll have quite the attacker on our hands for the foreseeable future.

If you thought a goal contribution every 67 minutes or so was frighteningly good – just wait!

🤩 EOTK FPL Gameweek 8 Review 🤩: Isak or Alvarez the man to watch? Dominance in EOTK’s league, time to go big on Villa/Spurs/West Ham…

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Michael Owen believes Liverpool were given title boost this weekend despite dropped points https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/10/09/michael-owen-liverpool-title-boost/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:20:16 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=242794 Michael Owen believes that Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes would’ve been boosted over weekend despite the Reds dropping points for the second game in a row. Jurgen Klopp’s side relinquished the lead they held against Brighton to end up drawing 2-2, a result which leaves them three points adrift of pacesetters Tottenham. However, with Arsenal […]

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Michael Owen believes that Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes would’ve been boosted over weekend despite the Reds dropping points for the second game in a row.

Jurgen Klopp’s side relinquished the lead they held against Brighton to end up drawing 2-2, a result which leaves them three points adrift of pacesetters Tottenham.

However, with Arsenal beating Manchester City later in the day, the top four are separated by a mere three points in what’s shaping up to be a potentially thrilling title race.

When asked if the result at the Emirates Stadium was a good one for Liverpool, Owen told Premier League Productions (via Liverpool Echo): “I think it is, for the rest of the Premier League, [for] the likes of Liverpool, and even Tottenham, who often don’t support Arsenal in a game.

“Man City are the team to beat this season. To take points off them brings everyone close together… We have some big teams in the Premier League. They have their eyes on the prize and they probably wanted Arsenal to win today. And they got their wish.”

READ MORE: Robbie Savage names 28y/o who’d be ‘a fantastic fit for Liverpool’ next to Szoboszlai and Mac Allister

READ MORE: (Video) Gary Neville says Liverpool would ‘definitely’ be in title frame if they had one Arsenal player

Although some might’ve believed that a draw between Arsenal and Man City would’ve been the best result for Liverpool yesterday, the Gunners winning would definitely seem preferable to the champions doing so.

Had the result gone the other way, it’d be Pep Guardiola’s side sitting top of the table four points ahead of the Reds and boosted by victory away to a direct title rival, along with the know-how of going the distance in this league.

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Although we’ve yet to reach the quarterway mark of the top-flight campaign, the first two months indicate that no one team is going to freewheel away with glory, with as many as four sides having reason to believe they could be in the hunt once the business end comes around.

Hopefully Liverpool will be one of those, and to be within arm’s reach of the summit having already played four of last season’s top eight (along with a traditionally tough trips to Chelsea) is a very encouraging sign.

Even in a 2022/23 campaign fraught with difficulty, the Reds still took points off Arsenal and beat both Man City and Spurs at home. Those are the head-to-heads which could potentially prove decisive over the next seven months.

🤩 EOTK FPL Gameweek 7 Review 🤩: Disaster for Liverpool, captain Watkins? Injuries piling up…

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‘I’ve been surprised’ – Ex-Red claims Liverpool man ‘needs a lot of coaching’ in order to become a ‘top player’ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/10/06/ex-red-liverpool-man-coaching-admission/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/10/06/ex-red-liverpool-man-coaching-admission/#comments Fri, 06 Oct 2023 11:45:17 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=242599 Michael Owen has claimed that Darwin Nunez ‘needs a lot of coaching’ to become a ‘top player’ but believes the Uruguayan has ‘some unbelievable attributes’. The 24-year-old has four goals and two assists in nine appearances this term (across all competitions) but missed an absolute sitter during our Europa League clash with Union SG last […]

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Michael Owen has claimed that Darwin Nunez ‘needs a lot of coaching’ to become a ‘top player’ but believes the Uruguayan has ‘some unbelievable attributes’.

The 24-year-old has four goals and two assists in nine appearances this term (across all competitions) but missed an absolute sitter during our Europa League clash with Union SG last night.

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The former Benfica man is likely to be named in the starting XI for Sunday’s clash with Brighton on the south coast but ex-Red Owen was keen to discuss our No. 9’s shocking miss last night while covering the game for TNT Sports (via TEAMtalk).

“It’s either lack of confidence, or lack of ability or not concentrating but in theory in professional football most people should be able to finish that,” Owen said.

“Nothing he does surprises me really and I mean he does some great things and then some awful things, he’s got so many gaps in his game, and I think he’s got the raw material of being a top player but he needs a lot of coaching and maybe a bit more experience.

READ MORE: ‘No one’s going to die’: Paul Merson now pitches in on Liverpool’s VAR debacle

“When you spend the money they’ve spent I thought you’d get more of a rounded player, I’ve been surprised to see how many gaps he’s got in his game and I’m always reluctant to write him off because I think he’s got some unbelievable attributes.

“I think of someone like Didier Drogba, when he first came people laughed at him for the first year or two, his touch was everywhere and then all of a sudden he just turned.

“I just think this lad could be that type of player, with improvement he could be an unbelievable player but he’s got to brush up on the obvious, easy parts of his game.”

Nunez looks much sharper and a lot more comfortable in a red shirt compared to last season.

His hold up play is something that has stood out during our strong start to the campaign and there’s no doubt that defenders hate playing against him.

His movement and pace in behind is a constant threat and he offers something that many of our other options up top don’t.

At 24 years of age the ex-Almeria forward still has plenty of time to improve and we can’t wait to see him frightening our opponents in the coming weeks and months.

🤩 EOTK FPL Gameweek 7 Review 🤩: Disaster for Liverpool, captain Watkins? Injuries piling up…

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(Video) Michael Owen: ‘anyone who’s got a heart is feeling for the VAR’ after Diaz mistake https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/10/04/michael-owen-feeling-for-var/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/10/04/michael-owen-feeling-for-var/#comments Wed, 04 Oct 2023 06:48:13 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=242419 Michael Owen seems to try his best to upset Liverpool fans with most of his comments and decisions since leaving Anfield and now he’s added insult to injury with his thoughts on the release of the VAR audio. READ MORE: (Video) Liverpool fans will howl as Andre Onana embarrassingly chipped against Galatasaray The former Manchester United […]

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Michael Owen seems to try his best to upset Liverpool fans with most of his comments and decisions since leaving Anfield and now he’s added insult to injury with his thoughts on the release of the VAR audio.

READ MORE: (Video) Liverpool fans will howl as Andre Onana embarrassingly chipped against Galatasaray

The former Manchester United man said on TNT Sports: “But I actually think it’s brilliant in general for the game in general. All the people who say it’s a conspiracy, that is nonsense.

“This is a big, big human error. And anyone who’s got a heart is feeling for the VAR there”.

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We can’t really be too surprised by the decision of a man who claimed to be one of us, yet moved to Old Trafford and now he seems hell bent on coming out with the most ridiculous of comments.

You can watch the thoughts of Owen (from 1:27) via @footballontnt on X:

🚨 EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: VAR atrocity at Tottenham, conspiracy theories, one Liverpool player cost the Reds dearly and much more!

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‘Stunning’ ‘Top quality’ – Two pundits left drooling over what Liverpool player did in first-half v Bournemouth https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/08/19/pundits-drooling-what-liverpool-ace-did/ Sat, 19 Aug 2023 15:12:27 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=239726 Luis Diaz continues to impress following on from his goalscoring start in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend. The Colombian was on hand to level the scoreline this time around after a bright start from Bournemouth resulted in a well-deserved opener for the visitors. It certainly impressed a handful of pundits watching the game, […]

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Luis Diaz continues to impress following on from his goalscoring start in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend.

The Colombian was on hand to level the scoreline this time around after a bright start from Bournemouth resulted in a well-deserved opener for the visitors.

It certainly impressed a handful of pundits watching the game, with Michael Owen waxing lyrical over the former FC Porto ace’s acrobatic effort in the box.

“This is stunning. Absolutely stunning. First of all, I love the run by Mo Salah; he creates a real nice big gap between the Bournemouth defence here,” the ex-Red spoke on Super Sport“See that gap wide in as Mo Salah makes a run out and then Jota can make his run inside.”

Fellow pundit Glen Hoddle added: “Brilliant. Top quality. He’s actually flicked it up for himself. Top, top quality.”

Diaz has found himself perhaps slightly underrated at Anfield despite a strong start to life in the famous red shirt int he 2021/22 campaign.

READ MORE: Liverpool handed timely double selection boost fans will love an hour before Bournemouth clash

READ MORE: What one journo heard about Liverpool’s next signing; won’t be a midfielder – Football Insider

Similarly to how he revitalised our quadruple charge, the left-side winger could have an equally positive impact on the opening section of our season, should he manage to avoid another spell on the sidelines that is!

You certainly can’t argue with two stunning goals in as many games, and hopefully it’s a sign of what’s to come for the remainder of the term.

#Ep85 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Jan Åge Fjørtoft on Wataru Endo🎙

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Michael Owen predicts where Liverpool will end the 2023/24 Premier League campaign https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/08/04/owen-liverpool-premier-league-prediction/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/08/04/owen-liverpool-premier-league-prediction/#comments Fri, 04 Aug 2023 09:53:12 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=238976 Michael Owen has released his prediction on Twitter for how the 2023/24 Premier League table will look come the end of the season. The former Liverpool forward has tipped the Reds for an immediate return to the Champions League but only placed Jurgen Klopp’s side third in the table behind Arsenal in second and Manchester […]

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Michael Owen has released his prediction on Twitter for how the 2023/24 Premier League table will look come the end of the season.

The former Liverpool forward has tipped the Reds for an immediate return to the Champions League but only placed Jurgen Klopp’s side third in the table behind Arsenal in second and Manchester City at the top.

If the Sky Blues are to win the title next season it will be their fourth in a row and the sixth time they’ve won it in the last seven years – with us being the only exception as we lifted the title at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

READ MORE: ‘Exceptional’ Liverpool talent could still leave the club this summer

Liverpool fans will be happy, however, to see that Owen has placed us above another of his former teams Manchester United.

The 43-year-old believes the Old Trafford outfit will snatch the final Champions League spot while Chelsea will have to settle for the Europa League and Spurs will be way back in ninth.

It remains to be seen how accurate the ex-Real Madrid man’s prediction will be – let’s hope he’s off the mark and Liverpool are instead top of the pile!

Check Owen’s prediction below via his Twitter page:

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