Jarrod Bowen has been absolutely brilliant for West Ham United since joining the club in January 2020.
Bowen was named as the new West Ham club captain in the summer of 2024 after Kurt Zouma left the London Stadium.
Since Bowen signed for West Ham from Hull City six years ago, he has racked up 82 goals and 54 assists in 264 games.
If Jarrod Bowen leaves West Ham, who is your DREAM replacement? 🤔
Paris FC's Ilan Kebbal looks very impressive…
Paris FC's French midfielder #10 Ilan Kebbal celebrates scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Paris FC and FC Metz at the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris on August 31, 2025.
While he hasn’t been at his brilliant best this season, he has still contributed more than any other West Ham player.
It has actually been claimed that Bowen could leave West Ham in the summer, if they are relegated down to the Championship.
That doesn’t bear thinking about for Hammers fans.
The 29-year-old is crucial to West Ham’s hopes of making any kind of progress as a club over the next few years.
Jarrod Bowen celebrates during West Ham United v Chelsea
Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
He’s a hugely popular figure at the London Stadium, but his suitability to the captaincy role has been called into question on numerous occasions.
Ex-West Ham player makes Jarrod Bowen claim amid captaincy criticism
As good as he has been for the Hammers, there has been one big criticism of him over the past 18 months.
Some West Ham fans believe that Bowen should not be club captain, given his lack of on-field vocal leadership.
His lack of leadership came under the microscope when the Hammers lost to Liverpool in November.
Bowen failed to intervene when Lucas Paqueta was talking himself into being sent off, when any proper captain would have dragged the Brazilian away from the referee.
This isn’t a dig at Bowen. He didn’t ask to be made club captain.
In fact, it’s fair to argue that the captain’s armband has weighed heavily on his shoulders and his performances have suffered due to the added responsibilities he now has.
Jarrod Bowen during West Ham United v Sunderland - Premier League
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Bowen never lets West Ham down when it comes to his commitment and work-rate.
However, it’s fair to argue that perhaps he isn’t captain material.
So who better to ask about Bowen’s leadership skills than someone who saw him close up during training, week in and week out?
Emeka Adiele makes Jarrod Bowen claim
Talented youngster Emeka Adiele left the Hammers on transfer deadline day a few days ago to join Dutch side FC Utrecht.
When speaking to Utrecht Fans, the youngster was asked about his time at West Ham.
What do YOU think West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen succession plan should be?
Is Yaser Asprilla a potential replacement?
Yaser Asprilla of Girona FC celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga match between Girona FC and UD Las Palmas at Montilivi Stadium on February 03, 2025 in Girona, Spain.
“I’ve learned a lot, especially from the older players,“ Adiele said.
“They taught me that it’s not just about skill, but also dedication and hard work.“
The 18-year-old was then asked who the leader was at West Ham.
“Jarrod Bowen,“ he said without hesitation.
“Everyone looks up to him because he’s a leader, both on and off the pitch. Hopefully, I can bring my experience from West Ham and contribute here.“
So there you have it – Jarrod Bowen is a genuine leader at West Ham, both on and off the pitch, according to Adiele at least.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox