WATCH: “You just have to run faster,” ex-Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen rants about the falling standards in the Premier League

Michael Owen's take on the quality in the Premier League is bound to raise eyebrows in the footballing community.

WATCH: “You just have to run faster,” ex-Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen rants about the falling standards in the Premier League

Michael Owen won a Ballon d'Or during his time at Liverpool (Via X/@ClassAOlly_19 & TJayyyy_1)

Former Liverpool player and ex-Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen shared his take on the current standards in the Premier League. His passionate rant about the falling standards in England’s top flight has gone viral on social media. Speaking to Simon Jordan on ‘Up Front with Simon Jordan’, the ex-Liverpool star reveals what it takes to have a “decent” career in the Premier League these days.

The ex-Premier League sensation pointed out that speed and strength have now become the defining factors about how good the players are over skill with the balls at the deal. He claimed that compared to his time as a pro-footballer the current generation of players aren’t on the same level.

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If you can run a bit further than everyone else and basically pass it from A to B...There were loads of great players that were absolute ballers. You don't even have to be that good anyone" was what Owen had to say about today's players.

Owen said via Up Front with Simon Jordon.

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This was compared to former players, who had “loads of skill and talent“. According to Owen, players are athletes first before footballers in the modern game. Moreover, he said that if he was an active player in the league at this moment, he “would’ve smashed it“. He also clarified that it was not his confidence, but that he strongly believed that he would do so.

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Michael Owen lashes out against Bruno Fernandes

Michael Owen has questioned Bruno Fernandes‘ willingness to face Liverpool next Sunday. The Man United skipper picked up his 5th yellow card of the season and will miss Manchester United’s next game, which is a crucial trip to league leaders Liverpool. The #10 was shown yellow for dissent, which many, including Owen, believe could have been easily avoided.

Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has a history of arguing with referees and picking up ‘unnecessary’ yellow cards (Via X/@UtdFaithfuls & UnitedFan10)

Owen, who was on punditry duty for the Premier League wondered “how many yellow cards he’s had for dissent and waving his arms about“. Owen then controversially questioned Fernandes’ willingness to captain his side at Anfield. He also wondered whether he was thinking of the next game while “being in the thick of playing“. He also called for Fernandes to be held “responsibe” and that he should be a “good ambassador for the team“.

Owen wondered how a player like Fernandes was getting booked so much, given his unlikely nature to commit fouls and tackles. Erik Ten Hag will dearly miss United’s #10 as he readies his squad for a crucial game against Liverpool. The club also face Bayern Munich mid-week as they fight to secure qualification from the Champions League group stage. Fernandes will return to action against West Ham United on the 23rd.

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