By CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings
When David Moyes raided Hull City on winter transfer deadline day back in January to secure the signature of Jarrod Bowen, he was at pains not to heap too much pressure of expectation on the 23 year old, who had scored 17 times for the Tigers.
Moyes warned West Ham fans not to see the newcomer as the season’s saviour for the Hammers. The manager might afford himself a wry smile right now, with our Premier League status 99.9% secured, that maybe he underestimated the effect Bowen might actually have on the team and ultimately our season.
Jarrod’s contribution since the restart has been immense. While Michail Antonio and Tomas Soucek have scored the goals so important to our survival, Bowen has been in sparkling form himself, providing the drive, enthusiasm and energy – not to mention ammunition – that has proved so vital to our revival and eventual survival.
His non-stop work rate has quickly established him as a fans’ favourite. There were some who questioned Moyes’ reluctance to throw Bowen straight into the fold, the manager insisting at the time: “I’ll assess Jarrod and see where he is at. I want him to be here for the long term.”
If we are signing a player from Hull and hoping him to be our saviour, I think that’s unfair. But he’s looking very sharp.” The manager has judged it perfectly.
It’s evident now for all to see just how sharp Bowen is. Although Jarrod hasn’t added to the first goal he scored against Southampton just before lockdown, he’s more than made up for it with his other contributions, particularly the fact that his four ‘goal assists’ since restart puts him on top of that particular table along with Bruno Fernandes, a player he’s likely to come face to face with at Old Trafford.
Their own private battle could be instrumental in deciding the destiny of tonight’s points. It shouldn’t be forgotten either that United paid a massive £60m – plus add-ons, for the Sporting Lisbon man. West Ham got Bowen for around £20m – decent business I’d say.
Moyes has made no secret of his wish to sign more young and hungry talent like Jarrod Bowen, as he sets about rebuilding his West Ham team for next season and beyond. But it’s not just about talent – it’s about getting in players with the right character – and Bowen seems to tick that box, too.
Grant McCann, his former boss at Hull described Bowen as an exceptional talent, but was quick to point out: “One thing about Jarrod is just his everyday behaviour that people don’t see. They can see him on a Saturday and what he does on the pitch – but during the week he’s so robust, never misses a training session, always the best trainer, a really humble boy.”
High praise indeed – and refreshing to hear in an era when we appear to be surrounded by so many footballing prima donnas. Jarrod Bowen has been a fantastic addition to our club, epitomising everything we as supporters want to see from the players who wear the claret and blue. If he is a sign of the times for us, then the future is beginning to look a great deal brighter indeed.
