West Ham United: Jarrod Bowen development surprise at the London Stadium
Frank McAvennie has gushed over West Ham star Jarrod Bowen in the wake of his recent hat-trick against Brentford, although he insisted the striker still has more to learn.
The former Hammers man explained that Bowen keeping a natural striker like Michael Antonio out of the starting line-up is a display of how impressive he has been as he continues to learn the role.
He highlighted the strength of the England international, although he did question why he hadn’t got the match-ball signed by his teammates, if not the opponents as well.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie insisted that Bowen will continue to develop with game time, having experienced a similar change himself.
“He’s gone from midfield and played up front, and he’s keeping Antonio out which is great. I think he’s got a bit to learn, I went from midfield to up front so I know what he’s going through,” he said.
“He’ll learn as he’s going along, he’s strong. I thought it was a great hat-trick, I’m just surprised he didn’t get the ball signed. I’d get both teams to sign it but that’s just me.
“Maybe he’ll get his teammates to sign it but that’s something he’ll keep forever.”
Jarrod Bowen has shone for West Ham this season
McAvennie is far from the only person to sing Bowen’s praises this season, with his 14 goals and three assists from 26 Premier League games making him the standout performer at the London Stadium under David Moyes’ guidance.
A hattrick against Brentford accelerated the Hammers’ star man to the forefront of everybody’s minds once again, with Alan Shearer stunned by the performance as he labelled Bowen “clinical.”
With the European Championships coming up this summer, the form of the West Ham star has surely secured his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad despite the level of competition for places, with calls for him to be included ringing out from the London Stadium.
McAvennie’s admiration for the West Ham man, compounded by his goals and the way he has adapted to the transition from winger to striker, reflects what most around the East London club will be feeling.
In other West Ham news, Kieran Maguire has shared £19million news at the London Stadium.
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