Having received a significant pay increase based on appearances, Jarrod Bowen has attracted praise from pundit Noel Whelan.
Speaking to Football Insider, the former Leeds and Coventry marksman said that the 24-year-old has proved to be a “really shrewd signing” since his switch from Hull City in January last year, claiming he is “worth every penny” of his improved pay packet.
Bowen failed to live up to expectations following his step up from the Championship, managing just one goal in the 2019/20 season, but has already quadrupled that tally less than halfway through the current campaign.
Having made 30 appearances already for David Moyes’ side and duly triggering a pay rise in his contract, Bowen seems to be crucial in inspiring the Hammers on the right flank.
He has also set up a further seven goals for West Ham in addition to the five he has scored (Transfermarkt), and Whelan claims that Leeds were among the suitors the Hammers beat in the race for Bowen’s signature. The 46-year-old told Football Insider:
Bowen has been a really shrewd signing.
Since David Moyes has taken over at West Ham that has been an onus on signing British players, players that know the league and very good Championship players who he feels can make the step up to the Premier League.
Leeds were looking at Bowen but at the time we did not have the money to go and spend that on him but he has proven to be worth every penny.
West Ham beat a lot of other clubs to Bowen. They are reaping the rewards for that. I think David Moyes will be really pleased with his progression.
He is a fantastic player and will be there for a number of years now. He is the future.
Read West Ham Verdict
Bowen’s return is decent on surface level, but perhaps more should be demanded of him. Of his 34 shots this season, only six have been on target – hardly an ideal conversion rate.
Whilst he can play centrally, it doesn’t help that he is typically not afforded license to roam and has to stick firmly on the right side (Transfermarkt).
He shows real promise, but there is an underlying accuracy issue. If he addresses that, then Bowen could rise to the next level and truly make his mark for the Irons.
