Jarrod Bowen’s role at West Ham United is shifting and there is an acceptance behind the scenes that he cannot do it all himself.
For so long, Bowen has been the shining light of a West Ham United team who have struggled since that famous night in Prague back in 2023.
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While Bowen has been criticised at times, he continues to lead the Hammers from the front. This season, he has scored eight goals in 31 Premier League games, directly contributing to six of their 29 points.
Without him, West Ham would surely have been relegated a long time ago. However, even those behind the scenes know that one man alone isn’t enough.
West Ham accept that Bowen should not carry the attacking burden
According to The Athletic, there is a growing understanding that Bowen no longer needs to carry the entirety of the attacking burden.
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West Ham star Jarrod Bowen registered an assist in England's 5-0 win over Latvia
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While he’s clearly been capable of that and will no doubt continue to do so, it would be unfair to consistently expect it – particularly after he was given more defensive duties by Nuno Espirito Santo.
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Support has arrived in recent months. Indeed, Bowen has been impressed by new signings Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, while Crysencio Summerville has stepped up to help Bowen try and keep the Irons in the Premier League.
Jarrod Bowen celebrates during West Ham United v Brentford - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
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That’s not to say Bowen isn’t still West Ham’s leading light, just that it would be impossible for him to continue being the only driving force in the squad.
The more help he gets, the better the team will be. That is simple.
Summerville’s emergence has given Bowen something of a breather. Clearly, he’ll still be needed for the final seven games of the Premier League campaign, but it’s no longer a one-man team here in east London.
Some would say that it is about time, too…
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