Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Mon 6 April 2026 17:40, UK

Jarrod Bowen has proved he is the perfect West Ham United role model after what he said to Finlay Herrick.

The West Ham captain had some words on inspiration for the 20-year-old, who came on late in extra-time in the FA Cup quarter-final exit to Leeds.

Herrick looked composed with the ball at his feet and even managed to save the first penalty in the shootout.

The Hammers gem produced a brilliant celebration after stopping Ethan Ampadu’s effort, but unfortunately, it was not to be for the London Stadium side.

Herrick has a promising future at West Ham, and he should not be too down after the harrowing defeat on 5 April.

What did West Ham skipper Bowen say to Herrick?

Bowen is West Ham’s captain for good reason, his attitude and performances on the pitch are top-quality, week in, week out.

He proved the former with his message to Herrick as he was thrown into the heavily pressured situation.

The skipper reminded the young goalkeeper that he deserved his moment and urged him to make the most of it.

Speaking to the official club website, he said: “It’s a big moment for Fin as well, who I told to make himself a hero before he came on.

“I told him he loved the Club, and he deserved his moment.

“He’s got a really good penalty record, and he had that moment of saving one in the shootout, it’s a special day for him and I’m really happy for him.”

What can Herrick learn from Bowen?

Obviously, Herrick cannot take much from Bowen’s game on the pitch, as the England hopeful is a winger, and he plays between the sticks.

However, he can learn from his mentality and his leadership before he is ready to start for the Hammers on a regular basis.

If the young stopper can pick up some of the professionalism and desire that Bowen brings to the pitch on every occasion, it will certainly not hinder his development.

He will quickly become a fan favourite among the supporters if he adopts a similar approach to Bowen, works hard for the team, shows passion constantly and performs when it matters most.

He is highly rated at Rush Green, now he needs to use his captain’s words and the example that he sets to make his own path and forge out his own legacy in East London.

It was a bright start for the former Boreham Wood loanee, and he was not phased by being thrown into the deep end, which is an encouraging sign.