‘Wow’ – Tony Cottee awestruck by West Ham talent after win v Southampton
Tony Cottee has claimed that West Ham new boy Jarrod Bowen is a “wow” player who has the potential to become a star for the Hammers.
The 23-year-old has impressed since arriving from Hull City on January, and scored on his full debut during the 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday.
And ex-Iron Cottee believes that he has plenty more to offer in the top flight, where he expects the Hammers to remain next season.
Speaking to Claret & Hugh, he said: “I cover a lot of Championship football for Sky and have seen an awful lot of Jarrod.
When I first saw him two years ago at QPR – I think – I recognised immediately that he was a top, top player and he has just got better and better.
“He’s a wow player who has a big all round game whereas I was just a goalscorer. Comparisons with Pop Robson would probably be more relevant because he was another Hammer who had that all round game.
“The big question is whether he can do it consistently at Premier League level and I personally don’t think there’s a question to answer.
“He’s been improving all the time in the Championship and he is ready. He’s exciting to watch – a guy who gets you off your seat. His first start for us was brilliant and I see him becoming a real Hammers star.
“Will we stay in the Premier League? I have no doubts we will and Jarrod will be a top player. I don’t want to pressure him but I really do like the boy.”
How good can Bowen be for the Hammers?
On the evidence of what we’ve seen, which admittedly isn’t an awful lot, he could be a world beater.
The wide man had made a really positive impact in east London, and he was practically unplayable against Southampton.
With four shots, two successful dribbles, a key pass, and of course, his goal, he was more than deserving of his Whoscored rating of 8.53.
The big question is now whether he can consistently perform at that level.
There’s no reason why he shouldn’t, as exemplified by his average match rating of 7.35 for Hull during the first half of the season, and the palpable excitement that is currently surrounding him feels more than justified.
In other West Ham news, Report – Hammers keen to offload rarely seen £70,000-a-week ace in summer.