Age at first goal: 17 years, 4 months, 22 days The second youngest Premier League debutant to score, and it's fair to say the one who had the best career. If you only saw an injury hobbled Owen in the twilight of his career at Manchester United or Stoke City, it's easy to forget how good he really was. Owen was a true poacher but in his younger days had blistering pace that terrified even the best defenders. He showed as much on his debut, having just barely turned 17. It was May 1997 and there were three games left in the season. Liverpool went into a game with Wimbledon knowing that they needed a victory to keep up the pressure on leaders Manchester United. A lifeless Liverpool limped to a 2-1 defeat instead to gift United the title, the only bright spark of the game was a goal from a teenaged substitute they called "the new Robbie Fowler". Owen showed his pace for the goal, haring onto through ball from Stig Inge Bjorneby, leaving Dons centre back Chris Perry choking on his dust, to slide the ball home past Neil Sullivan. It was enough to give forlorn Liverpool fans hope that the young striker could lead them to Premier League glory in the years to come. What happened next? Owen spent eight years at Anfield, scoring over 150 goals and winning almost everything but the league. He helped Liverpool win an FA Cup, two League Cups and a UEFA Cup during his time there, before moving on to Real Madrid. He struggled to settle in Spain and was soon back in the Premier League with Newcastle United, and it was then his injury problems really began to bite. He was limited to just to 14 appearances over his first two seasons in the North East, and did not have the same turn of pace upon his return to fitness. Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League in his final season. Upon expiry of his Newcastle contract, Owen made the shock move to Manchester United but barely played (though still took home Premier League and League Cup winners' medals), before seeing out his career with a final, injury-hit season at Stoke City. As well as an impressive trophy haul Owen also ended his career as England's fifth highest all-time goalscorer.
David is an office drone and freelance writer for WhatCulture and Moviepilot, among others. He's also foolishly writing a serialised novel on Jukepop and has his own irregularly updated website. He's available for freelance work. Reach out on Twitter to @davefox990
