Ian Abrahams: West Ham United competition is good for off-the-pace Jarrod Bowen
Ian Abrahams feels West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen has been “off the pace” so far in the 2022/23 season and suggested the competition from Maxwel Cornet was needed.
The Ivory Coast international put in an excellent display against Silkeborg in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday evening (15 September).
Bowen has two goals for West Ham so far this season and hasn’t quite hit the standards that he set from the previous campaign.
TalkSPORT reported Abrahams believes that Bowen’s place could now be under threat after the arrival of the Ivorian at the London Stadium.
Talking on Talking on talkSPORT Breakfast [06:40, 16 September], he said: “West Ham needed competition for Jarrod Bowen after his great season in the 2021/22 campaign.
“I think Bowen has been off the pace this season and now there is competition there.
“West Ham are in four competitions this season and having that competition is going to give them a great chance of going far this season.”
Slow start
The Hammers’ European displays have probably been the only positive to come out of the club so far this season with their Premier League campaign, not in the best shape.
Slow starts from the Hammers have been a regular feature for David Moyes during his time at the club but he has been able to turn it around in the past.
A pedestrian start could’ve been expected this season, particularly after a summer of transition and change at the London Stadium. The new arrivals need to be given time to get used to playing for the club and more importantly adapt to the Premier League.
As for Bowen, the competition from Cornet will certainly keep him on his toes this season and he does need to find some sort of form in the coming weeks.
His call-up for England could well have come at a good time to allow the winger to almost hit the reset button and start the season afresh on the international stage.
What is certain is that if the Hammers want to emulate their 2021/22 campaign, they will need Bowen back to his best in the near future.