‘I played against Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen – this is who was better at 17’

The debate rumbles on after Michael Owen claimed he was a better player at 17 than fellow England legend Wayne Rooney, and Joleon Lescott has now had his say having played against both

Ex-Premier League defender Joleon Lescott has sided with Wayne Rooney in the debate with Michael Owen over who was better at 17. The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner sparked the discussion with a confident social media post.

Both Owen and Rooney emerged as prodigious English talents, albeit five years apart, and went on to carve out legendary careers. Owen, who starred for the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid, assertively claimed in conversation with former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand that he was better than Rooney at the age of 17.

While the Red Devils’ all-time top goalscorer stayed diplomatic when asked to compare himself to Owen, former Manchester City star Lescott’s answer is clear, having played against both in their pomp.

READ MORE: Michael Owen behaviour branded ‘disrespectful’ as he riles up ex-Man Utd team-mateREAD MORE: Michael Owen vs Wayne Rooney: Decision made on who really was the more phenomenal teenager

“[I’d pick] Rooney,” said Lescott on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet. “Wayne was the first player I ever came across that I could visibly see wanted to win more than I did.

“When you play something, you want to win. That’s the first time I’ve seen someone that would go insanely mad if he didn’t. Even on the computer, he would break controllers; he had to win. That’s a different temperament.

“Having played alongside him, seen him train, when it was game mode, the fiery temperament came out. He would argue every decision. If he lost the ball, he’s trying to get it back.

“Wayne’s performance against France at 18. I’m torn because I know they’re only debating one year, not careers. But that is the best English performance I’ve ever seen. I’ve not seen anything like it, especially at that age.

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“That game… I’ve seen that game, and I’m just like, ‘He’s doing everything.’ They were the best team in the world at the time: [Patrick] Vieira, [Zinedine] Zidane, [Lilian] Thuram. He’s dominated them all.

“You talk about Michael Owen’s pace and ability to finish, but Rooney was rapid, lightning fast. That’s something he probably doesn’t get enough credit for.”

Lescott did sing Owen’s praises despite selecting Rooney. He continued: “There are things people underestimate about Michael Owen. He rocked up at Real Madrid, very impressive, Ronaldo, Zidane, all those guys there.

“Because of the teams he’s played for, I don’t think there is one fan base that gives him the kind of credit, though. Everton fans and United fans love Wayne. Michael doesn’t have that foundation of fans that cheer him on.

“It was different back then because there was less social media. There wasn’t much with Rooney, but there was even less with Michael Owen. It was highlights and just snippets. You were aware of players and his name, but didn’t see him unless it was on Match of the Day or something like that.

“Their ability to affect the game at a young age was crazy. Wayne had a more successful career due to the longevity, but who knows what Michael would have achieved if he had sustained that level?”

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