Reyes backs Raul over Owen

Arsenal striker Jose Reyes believes Raul should start ahead of Michael Owen at Real Madrid this season.

Raul had a disappointing European championships with Spain and a recent television poll in Madrid showed public opinion in favour of the former Liverpool striker starting up front with Ronaldo.

But the Barclays Premiership joint-top scorer believes his Spain team-mate deserves another chance to win over the Bernabeu crowd.

“I would always put Raul in the side ahead of Owen,” Reyes said. “Because he is very important for Madrid.”

“I don’t understand the criticism of Raul. When things work out in Spain you are a god, but after four poor games they criticise you.”

On Monday, Owen admitted one of his reasons for moving to Spain from England was to improve as a player.

Reyes believes moving the other way has done the same for him.

“It’s obvious that I have matured a lot since moving to England,” the 20-year-old striker added. “It has helped a lot and you see that out on the pitch – when you are on form you can score goals from anywhere.

“I got a great reception from the very first day. The atmosphere is great and we all get on well.

“(Patrick) Vieira is very friendly – he’s the best and we joked a lot about his possible move to Real Madrid. (Thierry) Henry seems more serious, but that’s because he has to put up with all the pressure, but he’s also one of my best friends in the squad.”

Reyes’ form has seen him return to the Spain squad after missing out in Portugal this summer and following fears a move to England would spell the end of his international career.

“I was always a little worried about moving, but the new coach (Luis Aragones) is counting on me. He has given me a lot of confidence and I was more relaxed [in the recent friendly] against Venezuela,” he added.

“When you are confident, you play in a more relaxed manner.

“I always want to win everything with my club and my country, but as the World Cup is a long way away, the aim of everyone at Arsenal is to win the Champions League.”