The Premier League has been blessed to have witnessed some incredible young talents across its history, but that has naturally sparked a debate as to just who sits top of the list between Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.
The best young players in Premier League history
In recent times we’ve seen Rio Ngumoha and Oliver Dowman star for Liverpool and Arsenal at just 17 years old and 15 years old. Before then, it was the likes of Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold who thrived. And before them, the likes of James Milner, who – believe it or not – was once the new kid on the block, who stole the headlines.
With every season comes a new beginning for the next generation from successful academies at Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and more as the Premier League continues its reputation for producing some of the world’s best.
James Vaughan (Everton)
16 yrs, 270 days
James Milner (Leeds)
16 yrs, 356 days
Wayne Rooney (Everton)
16 yrs, 360 days
Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool)
16 yrs, 361 days
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
17yrs, 113 days
Out of all the impressive young players that have come through the ranks in Premier League history, the biggest debate lies between Rooney and Owen.
At 18, both were at an absurd level and one that even saw the latter reach the peak of his powers before injuries combined with unwise transfer decisions changed the trajectory of his career.
Rooney thumped home a stunning strike against Arsenal to score his first Premier League goal at 16, whilst Owen quickly became the main man at Liverpool and even won the Ballon d’Or at just 22 years old.
It’s when both players meet in the middle at 18 that the debate gets interesting, however, and Rooney has now finally settled things with a swift 12-word response.
Rooney finally settles Owen debate
Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney settled the Owen debate with a simple 12-word answer after taking a look at the numbers all these years later.
The Manchester United legend admitted: “Yeah I think that clearly shows that Michael was a better player than I was at that age.”
Owen also responded to the debate back in September, saying on X: “At 17 I scored 18 PL goals (winning the Golden Boot), Wazza scored 6. At 18 I again scored 18 goals (again winning the Golden Boot and coming 4th in The Ballon d’Or), Wazza scored 9. In our opening 7 seasons, Wazza didn’t outscore me once (117 goals v 80).”
It seems as though Rooney agrees with his former rival, who certainly built his own convincing case last month, but there’s no denying that it is the former United star who enjoyed the better career in the end.
As Owen struggled with injuries, Rooney broke records, won Premier League titles and has his rightful place amongst the best players that English football has ever seen.
