Rooney and Owen Settle Who Was Better at 17

Who excelled at 17: Michael Owen or Wayne Rooney?

The debate reignited after Owen claimed on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast that, by 17, he outscored Rooney in the Premier League and secured a Golden Boot.

Rooney’s Response

On The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney praised Owen’s early career while noting their different styles. “Michael was arguably the best centre-forward in the world for a period,” Rooney said, adding that injuries later hampered Owen’s progress.

Early Career Comparisons

• Owen: 18 league goals at 17 and 18, two Golden Boots, Ballon d'Or winner at 22.
• Rooney: Premier League debut at 16, nine goals for England before 18, youngest scorer in Euro history (briefly).

Career Achievements

Owen finished with 222 club goals in 482 games, winning the Ballon d'Or, while Rooney scored 313 club goals in 763 matches, becoming Manchester United’s all-time top scorer and winning the Champions League and five Premier Leagues.

Both players agree their teenage careers were exceptional but incomparable due to different styles and trajectories.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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