Welcome to the challenging world of captaincy, Jarrod Bowen. Just two months ago Bowen was being paraded as West Ham’s new captain, the new leader for Lopetegui’s new era. Involved in England’s run to the final of Euro 24 and actually getting game time – unlike others such as Cole Palmer – Bowen was riding high on the success of last season, equalling the club’s Premier League goal scoring record along the way.
Two months on and the challenge really starts to set in. Results on the pitch have been concerning. News of ‘dressing-room bust ups’ between players and coach Lopetegui are in the media and today we hear via The Sun that Bowen has not been selected for England’s Autumn internationals. He must be incredibly disappointed.
One article I read yesterday even suggested Lopetegui had picked the wrong captain – perhaps blaming our skipper for the lack of leadership exhibited elsewhere on the pitch. Former coach Kevin Nolan suggests (caughtoffside.com) that Bowen should not have been made captain, putting too much pressure on the 27 year old
For a couple of weeks, at least, the pressure will be ‘off’. being left out of the England squad will give him a respite from attention and training with the national team – which will be perfect for West Ham, to be honest.
The Hammers’ captain can address his own role in the West Ham team – some have commented that he is not as sharp as last year. Actually, I don’t agree and sense that once the team defence -and more importantly midfield- issues get cleared up and improved, Bowen will be banging goals in again. Like all forwards, he can’t do much without ‘service’.
This is surely time for West Ham’s Captain to shine.
Two weeks away from the media, a break from banner headlines about poor results, time to work with his coach on his role in the team and as the leader.
I’m sorry for Jarrod that his England ambitions are shelved for the time being. But for West Ham’s sake, it couldn’t be better.
Bowen is great , love the effort and skill what a player . Honestly I think he will become good as a captain and learn to motivate others . Love him , ⚒
Bowen being dropped by England is NOT good news for West Ham. It means he’s not performing at the level he was. His form is not up to it. In part it may be down to Lopi making a complete balls up of the first few months of the season!!
Rubbish. Bowen is a ” lead by example” type of Captain. But really, all of these players are highly compensated professionals. Do they really require a Captain to remind them of their responsibilties to their employer and supporters??? Stop looking for scapegoats. There is an obvious one. Any guesses?
Dopetegui OUT!!!!!
How quickly some fans are to jump on Bowen he is our captain we should all be supporting him in his new role as captain he just needs to settle into the role of captain he can’t be judged on these first few games he hasn’t had much to lead with the way JL keeps chopping and changing the team and tactics and that’s where our biggest problem is and it needs addressing ASAP
Bobby Moore was nice and quiet or whatever you want to call Bowen and was probably our greatest ever captain.
He has never struck me as a natural captain and think it has been awarded to reward his loyalty. He is a great example of playing hard and putting a shift in but not sure how communicative he is to the other players on the pitch, would seem a good chance to appoint a new captain, maybe Alvarez, Soucek or Kilman.
Basically i think the guy is too nice. Can’t remember seeing him having a go at any player and lets face it there have been plenty of times he should have. Its affecting his game as well.
It would be good if they could ask him to announce it was affecting his game so he wishes to pass the baton on to someone else. That would save face for him and get us a real captain.
Regardless of who is given the captains armband there should be 11 leaders/captains on the pitch, that is our problem we don’t have any.
I agree, Bowen is the wrong pick in my opinion, Soucek captains his country and Kilman was captain st Wolves, both better candidates than Bowen who is too quiet. Let him get on with driving us forward and let Kilman start to dominate the back line. The midfield is where our problems lie, Alverez is a liability at the moment and Rodriguez too slow. About time some of the youngsters like Scarles are given a chance, likewise drop Antonio from the squad (sadly too old) and give the kid Brad Dologhan? A go if Fullkrug is still 🤧