Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen has been looking ahead to the Champions League final on May 26.
His two former clubs clash in Kiev and Owen, now working as a football pundit in the United Kingdom, analysed the differences between the two sides, whilst also warning of the dangers of a Liverpool team that has caused a few surprises this season.
"There are two very different styles as Liverpool play well against very good teams, like to win the ball quickly and head towards goal, so they don’t worry too much about keeping possession," maintained Owen in an interview with Marca.
"But they do look to take the ball away from the opposing defence and make rapid counter-attacks, so I think it’s going to be a very good final with lots of goals."
"I think Madrid are the favourites because when they need to win that’s what they do. I’ve already said at the start of the season, on UK television, that they would win the Champions League again this year."
"Nonetheless, I now see it as more 50-50 as Liverpool are also a very good team. It’s the perfect final for me, my two teams, but Real Madrid’s strong point is their experience in these type of games; they also have decisive players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco…"
"Liverpool have been growing as a team little by little for the last few years and are now very strong. They won the Champions League in 2005, but that wasn’t a particularly good team."
"For me, this team is better and I think it is one that will return Liverpool to the top table of European football," insisted Owen.