Redknapp and McCoist stunned by Jarrod Bowen at West Ham United
Jarrod Bowen has been “outstanding” wherever he has been used for West Ham, Harry Redknapp and Ally McCoist have said.
Speaking on talkSPORT (16 December, 9:42am), the duo agreed that the Hammers skipper is a “top class” player, as Bowen prepares to lead his side against Bournemouth on Monday.
With a lack of centre-forward options in East London, Bowen started up front against Wolves last time out, but only after shifting back to the right flank did the 27-year-old pop up to score the winner.
“They got pushed into playing Bowen through the middle, but Bowen’s an outstanding player. I love Bowen, he gives everything every game”, Redknapp said.
“(He’s) come from lower league football – a great story. When he’s gone wide he’s a real threat.
“When he’s played for England – this year he came on one or twice in games, and whenever he played he did a great job.”
McCoist added: “I think he’s top class. I must admit, I enjoy seeing him come off that right-hand side.”
Jarrod Bowen still leading the way for West Ham United
It’s no surprise that Bowen was given the Hammers’ captain’s armband at the start of this season, and on his displays so far – compared to some of his team-mates – he has more than justified that decision.
The likes of Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus have been shadows of their former selves so far this term, leaving Julen Lopetegui in something of a rut when it comes to selecting his strongest team.
Michail Antonio’s recent accident has further exposed the bizarre recruitment policy in attacking areas, with the Jamaican one of three strikers aged over 30 alongside Danny Ings and Niclas Fullkrug.
Fullkrug’s signing in particular – with the German scoring just once in five appearances amid a spate of injury problems – hasn’t worked as hoped, making it no wonder Lopetegui has turned to Bowen up front.
Bowen will continue to give his all for the badge regardless of where he plays, but as the Irons face an in-form Bournemouth side, the travelling fans will hope he’ll be able to flourish in his preferred position.
In other West Ham news, Troy Deeney reckons an Irons transfer target’s value has doubled since they missed out on signing him.
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