There could well be a buzz returning to West Ham following the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo. While some players publicly voiced support for the outgoing Graham Potter, the truth is he made too many of them worse.
If there’s one player who could benefit most from Nuno’s arrival, it’s Jarrod Bowen – and thank goodness for that.
Bowen has consistently delivered, even when tactical setups under Potter and Julen Lopetegui failed to get the best out of him. Goals, assists, tireless tracking back – he’s done it all, often in teams that looked lost and uninspired. But despite his effort, Bowen has looked shackled.
Bowen has scored consistently despite not being at his best
Under Potter, he was either stranded on the wing with no service, or pushed up front in a static system that blunted his impact. Lopetegui wasn’t much better, with Bowen often treated as a Plan B in a failing Plan A.
Nuno can unlock Bowen quality
Now, with Nuno in the dugout, we might finally see Bowen back to his best.
The England international thrives when West Ham attack with purpose, particularly on the break. Whether counterattacking or stretching defences in transition, Bowen is most dangerous when the team commits bodies forward. And while Nuno has a reputation for pragmatism, his Nottingham Forest side showed they could strike fast and effectively on the counter – a style tailor-made for Bowen.
His recent cameo for England underlined just how sharp he has become. His first touch, quick passing, positional intelligence and hunger to improve are all at another level. As most Hammers fans knew, it showed the issue wasn’t Bowen – it was Potter.
Nuno might not just revive Bowen – he could elevate him. The Hammers captain is too classy to publicly criticise Potter, but he must have hated much of the football over the past year.
Bowen is top quality. The question now is whether Nuno can finally unlock it.
Maybe Nuno can unlock Kilman more like. Nuno gave Kilman his start in the premier league.
I think Bowens been brilliant all season actually. Our best player. Shame some of the other players haven’t stepped up to his level.
Hmm. Sunderland and Crystal Palace in the top four at present? oh yeah and the spuds. All the teams we’ve lost to. So does that mean we’re not as bad as we thought we was?
Very astute observation, especially as Palace totally outplayed the current “Champions”!
He could start by removing the albatross that is the captain’s armband.
Bowen is a brilliant player and a “nice guy”, however the added weight of responsibility only seems to drag him and the team down.
Perhaps, give it to someone like AWB.
The best thing Nuno can do is relieve Bowen of the captaincy and give it to some one behind him so he can get on with what he does best without having to worry what else is going on on, that’s not being harsh on Bowen that’s being realistic, he will be back to his best without the pressure.
Hope you’re right though feel the biggest beneficiaries might be Fullkrug / Wilson, Nuno likes the flanks and crosses.
Will also be keen to see if our youth benefit, would love to see that COYI!!!