Darren Bent called out over ‘Rude’ West Ham United player comment on talkSPORT
Andy Goldstein believes Darren Bent’s opinion on West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen is “quite rude”.
The Hammers captain proved he is “something special” after his opening goal at Stamford Bridge during the 2-1 loss against Chelsea on Monday (4 February).
However, with the popular opinion emerging that Bowen is “too good” for the Hammers, Goldstein presented the question to Bent live on talkSPORT (4 February).
“I always think too good is a bit of a rude statement,” Bent said. “Could he play in the Champions League? Absolutely. Is he too good for West Ham? Well, currently, at the minute, where West Ham sit, which is 15th, yes, he’s better than that.”
Goldstein replied: “Okay, quite rude.”
West Ham must improve to keep Jarrod Bowen
The 28-year-old has spent several weeks on the sidelines but immediately showed the Premier League why he is so essential to this West Ham side.
Throughout Julen Lopetegui’s disastrous reign, Bowen was one of few Irons players who continuously stood out with his performances as the team struggled in the Premier League.
Now, Graham Potter will also lean on his captain to help the boss through the rut he is in – the loss against Chelsea marked his third defeat in five matches since taking charge.
Bowen’s name is regularly mentioned alongside the Premier League elite, and the Irons could face a losing battle to retain the forward if a big-money offer presents itself in the summer.
Therefore, with pre-season aspirations of a European finish well and truly out the window, West Ham must prove to Bowen from now until the end of the season that he is best served remaining with the East London project into his prime years.
He has already achieved immortalised status at the London Stadium following his Europa Conference League-winning goal in 2023, so it’s easy to argue that Bowen has done all he can do at the Irons.
Nevertheless, he will turn 29 next season and perhaps has surpassed the point of becoming a desirable option for a Champions League outfit, but if he continues his stellar form, it will be hard for the elite sides to ignore.
In other West Ham news, Irons sources share what Tim Steidten now admits he got wrong at the London Stadium.
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