Rio Ferdinand Rates Liverpool's Top Five Strikers Of Premier League Era, Says One Gives 'You More Sleepless Nights'

Owen, 42, burst onto the scene at Anfield and scored a whopping 158 times in 297 appearances during his prolific spell at Liverpool.

The ex-Liverpool striker, who lifted a Ballon d’Or in 2001, captured an FA Cup, two League Cups and UEFA Cup ahead of a sensational move to Real Madrid in 2004.

Ferdinand crossed paths with the likes of Fowler, Suarez, Torres and Owen during his remarkable club playing career.

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Ferdinand admitted that he has no first-hand experience of playing against a “prime” Mohamed Salah, but he said people need to put “some respect” on Owen’s name.

“People forget what he [Owen] was doing during those times [while at Liverpool],” Ferdinand said.

“He was dismantling the Premier League as a teenager. He was a joke. People need to start putting some respect on his name.”

Ferdinand added: “If you’re talking about their best year or two years at the club, Michael Owen is in the conversation for the best.

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“A defender playing against all of them, Michael Owen keeps you up later than any of the others.

“I played against Torres, played against Fowler. I’ve not played against prime Salah, that’s the difference.

“If we’re talking number nines, Suarez was a top player and a great player but I just think in Michael Owen’s best season or two he’d give you more sleepless nights than all of the others.”