Jarrod Bowen’s form over recent games has not been the best.
And once a player’s form starts dipping there is usually a rush to judgement with many making a point of either blaming or backing the manager’s judgements.
Bowen in fact has become the most subbed player in the Premier League and we recently ran a reader’s blog which made the point that his confidence had been affected by the manager’s decision to continually recall him to the bench.
But ClaretandHugh has learned that the right-sided midfielder in fact has not been 100 per cent medically ok over recent games.
We understand that he has been suffering from a bout of personal illness but has been determined to keep playing through his problems.
As a result, the manager has kept a very careful check on the lad whose dedication to the cause is entirely admirable.
His attitude demonstrates the spirit that is running through our club right now.
With the season we have been having despite all of the odds, I have felt that some have been overly critical on so many occasions and I have avoided getting involved in these debates for those very reasons.
I remember a few years ago Ogbonna played through the pain barrier whilst carrying a knee injury and many supporters still slated him saying that he was rubbish and finished….. I wonder how many of those would admit to being part of that nonsense at the time?
Too quick to judge?….. You Betcha!
Keep Calm, Moyes is doing a great job…
Totally agree. We’re a fickle bunch. Personally I think Jarrod has been a scoop that warrants the same plaudits as Tomas gets. A few so-so games against pressing opposition, but overall a dynamo.
I certainly never thought Ogbonna was rubbish or finished 2/3 seasons ago but I was somewhat critical of him because he made mistakes. He was sometimes caught out of position, occasionally switched off and was prone to bundling opponents over in dangerous positions. He didn’t display the calmness, assurance and leadership qualities that he does now. He always came across as a great professional even when he was out of the first 11 but his transformation on the pitch is, in my opinion, nothing short of remarkable. In the past 2 seasons, he’s hardly put a foot wrong. And his improvement predates the second coming of David Moyes. I think he’s prospered under Moyes, as have all our defenders, but how has he done it?. Is it just that he believes in himself more? Was the injury a problem? I’d really like to know because it shows that even players in their late 20’s/early 30’s can raise their gsme. I think Angelo would improve almost any defence in the Premiership. Imagine him playing alongside Van Dijk! He is outstanding. He was my Hammer of the Year last year and would be a deserved winner this year (as would Souchek, of course). We will miss him when he’s out but I have faith in Dawson, Balbuena and Diop. Fingers crossed for a full and speedy recovery.