Michael Owen: Pascal Struijk’s tackle made me sick in Leeds United loss v Liverpool
Michael Owen was left shocked by Pascal Struijk’s horror tackle on Harvey Elliott in Liverpool’s win over Leeds United on Sunday.
The Reds ran out comfortable 3-0 winners and continued their quest to regain the Premier League title, but the game was marred by Elliott’s injury which subsequently led to Struijk being shown a straight red.
Discussing that controversial moment in the post-match show for Premier League productions, Owen stated that he feared for the worst when he saw it in real time.
He said, “That challenge, it made me sick. At the moment, it’s really worrying as you don’t want to see any player going through that.
“I don’t blame Struijk as you can see how it happened in real time.”
Dangerous
From the way Mohamed Salah, who was nearest to Elliott, reacted, we knew that there was something awful that had unfolded.
The response of the medical team rushing in and the faces of the players on the pitch certainly did little to allay any fears.
He was taken straight to the hospital and will now undergo surgery in the coming days.
Struijk can’t be blamed, but it’s hard to argue against such a decision. It was reckless even though there was no malice intended, and such challenges can end players’ careers.
We’re glad that Elliott shared a refreshing update on his Instagram, so hopefully, he’s back in action within a few months.
As for their performances yesterday, Leeds have every reason to forget this game as it was arguably their worst of the season and there is plenty of improving left to do.
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