Emile Heskey names ‘one of the best finishers’ ever who he loved playing with at Liverpool

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Emile Heskey has opened up on what made playing alongside Steven Gerrard and a clinical forward during his time at Liverpool.

Despite the majority of the Reds’ success occurring before the start of the Premier League era, fans will fondly remember the names of the past, including Scouse legends Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, and before 1992, legendary duo Sir Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush.

The younger generation has watched Jurgen Klopp’s side achieve domestic and European success and can now enjoy watching Mohamed Salah challenge for the Ballon d’Or and see which players from Arne Slot’s side will earn renowned status.

Emile Heskey, a household name for Liverpool supporters, has recalled his time with the Reds and, most notably, what he enjoyed the most about two specific Anfield teammates.

Emile Heskey loved playing with Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen

Heskey enjoyed cult-hero status at Liverpool during his four-year spell at the club, most notably for his efforts during the historic 2000-01 treble-winning campaign, in his debut season.

At 22, he scored 22 goals for the Reds across all competitions that year, lining up alongside Gerrard and Michael Owen before signing for Birmingham City in the summer of 2004, one year before Owen packed his bags for Real Madrid.

Speaking to Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On podcast, Heskey recounts what he found most enjoyable about playing with the pair.

• Heskey on Gerrard: “Just making runs and knowing that the ball is going to come.”
• Heskey on Owen: “Having a connection with him, and him being one of the best finishers.”

Owen harbours an infamous reputation among the Anfield faithful, despite, of course, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2001, after making the unforgivable decision to represent Manchester United.

Indeed, he is an international ambassador for the club and continues to give his controversial opinions on club matters. Owen offered sympathy to Mikel Arteta during Arsenal’s challenge to the Reds’ title charge last season.

Nevertheless, Liverpool supporters never tire of hearing praise towards Gerrard and will be hoping current number 8 Dominik Szoboszlai can live up to his number-sake after Gerrard admitted he sees himself in Szoboszlai.

Mohamed Salah to have a better Liverpool legacy?

The Egyptian enjoyed a record-breaking Premier League season last term as his contributions saw him move third in the all-time goalscoring charts for the Reds.

However, Salah will still feel a golden opportunity to break another record passed by – he needed only four more assists to break the record with 10 games remaining, but fell short.

Although he will turn 34 this season, Salah stunned Rush with his impeccable fitness, and his incredible form shows no sign of slowing down, even into the twilight years of his career.

Many supporters would argue Salah has indeed surpassed Owen’s legacy at Anfield, and while Gerrard will hold a special place in the hearts of all supporters as a local legend, there will be a serious case to argue between the Scouser and Salah when his contract expires in 2027.