Daily Mirror, Raul Interview: "I Can See Michael Outscoring both Torres and Drogba"

Rob of the Rovers

Sunday Mirror wrote:

It still ranks as the most controversial signings of the summer.

And if one of Europe's greatest striker is proved right, Michael Owen's shock move to Manchester United will emerge as the masterstroke of the year - for club and country.

Raul played alongside Owen at Real Madrid and has an impeccable pedigree of his own. No player has scored more Champions League goals than the 32-year-old Spanish superstar, who has hit 64.

Raul played alongside Fernando Torres, Liverpool's lethal front man, at international level, but when he assessed Owen's free transfer from Newcastle to Old Trafford he delievered a stunning verdict.

He told Sunday Mirror Sport: "It would not surprise me if Michael is top goalscorer in England next season." Raul then explained his logic behind this bold prediction, "A player can lose his fitness and as he gets older a bit of pace, but players with goalscoring instincts like Michael has don't lose that. It would be crazy for anyone to write him off. He has been unlucky with injuries, but he is at one of the best and biggest clubs in the world now who will have the very best people around him to look after him and keep him sharp. That's why it doesn't surprise me if he's the top goalscorer in your Premier League."

He added, "You have great strikers like Fernando at Liverpool and Chelsea's Didier Drogba, but if Michael stays fit and plays games I can see him scoring more goals than anybody."

Raul is well aware that Owen's £11million move to Madrid in the summer of 2004 proved a turning point in his career. The man who had been a goalscoring institution at Liverpool found himself part of a selection merry-go-round. His time in Spain was also undermined by injury, yet Owen still scored 16 goals in 42 appearances.

Now, aged 29, he has the chance to bounce back after a nightmare season which saw Owen's Newcastle side relegated in May. He may have fluffed his scoring lines in Wednesday's win over Valencia, but there was still an abundant evidence of his growing relationship with Wayne Rooney.

Raul continued, "People talk about Michael being passed his best, but it's common knowledge that a player peaks between 28 and 30, so could well see his best season's at United. He may have to adapt his game slightly as he gets older as he used to be all over the park, but the quality of service he will get at Manchester will be a dream for a player will goalscoring insticts like him."

Recalling their days as team-mates at the Bernabeu, Raul said "It makes me laugh when people say his time in Spain was not so good - his scoring record was very good. Michael can have a great partnership with Wayne, and he needs to be playing at a top club with top players for a World Cup year. If everything goes right Manchester United's strikeforce could be the one used by England in South Africa."

On Owen's future international career, Raul said, "He might not have used him much so far for England, but I am sure he (Fabio Capello) is delighted that Michael has signed for United. I am sure he still has something to offer both United and England."

Owen may have won 89 caps for his country and also been part of the Liverpool team that won the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and two league cups, but a Premier League title still eludes him.

Raul ended, "Manchester United are still the best team in England. I'm sure Michael can get his first Premier League winners medal next year, however Liverpool will run them very close."

Can Owen win the Premier League's golden boot? Will he guide United to the title? And will he go to the world cup with England?

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DONCASTER ROVERS PREDICTION LEAGUE CHAMPION 2008