Paul Merson admits he is a ‘big fan’ of West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen. But he feels the forward has ‘gone off the boil’ this season after getting into the England side.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate named Bowen in one of his teams for the first time last June. The 26-year-old had never represented his country at any level before playing in four UEFA Nations League ties. His form under David Moyes had made ignoring him impossible.
Bowen was a prolific threat across all competitions as West Ham made the Europa League semi-finals. He registered 18 goals and 13 assists through 51 appearances, including 12 of each over 36 Premier League games. But the winger has struggled to replicate his exploits.
The attacker has still offered 11 goals and six assists through his 43 appearances so far this term. But his haul only features five goals and four assists from 30 top-flight games. Bowen has also fallen out of contention for the England squad since playing no part in September.
Merson remains a ‘big fan’ of West Ham winger Bowen
Merson remains a huge advocate for Bowen’s ability and what he offers under Moyes with West Ham. The Arsenal hero appreciates the Leominster native’s ability to cause defenders problems and deliver important goals. But he accepts an England recall may be a tall order.
“He’s a big moment player if I’m being honest,” Merson told Sky Sports News (22/4, 12:52). “He’s one of them players. He has gone off the boil. I mean, he got in the England team and he just hasn’t kept that consistency. But he always gives you everything. Always.
“For me, he’s one of them that you’ll always put in the team. [He] always gets involved, always scores [and] he’ll get the odd goal and pop up. But it’s always an important goal, he doesn’t get the last goal in a 3-0 win with the last kick of a game.
“He always puts himself in a position to affect a football match. I like him, I’m a big fan of his. He hasn’t obviously fulfilled and done what he did last season, getting in the England squad. But that was always going to be a task, especially with the way West Ham are playing.”
Bowen has directly contributed to eight Premier League points
Bowen’s goal involvements have directly contributed to West Ham claiming eight points in the Premier League this season. While only Said Benrahma has also offered five goals over the Irons’ top-flight term. The 26-year-old’s four assists so far are also a Hammers-high yet.
The winger drew the Irons level before beating Fulham 3-1 in October and scored each of their goals as West Ham beat Everton 2-0 in January. He also laid on an assist to draw 1-1 with Chelsea in February and scored the equaliser to hold Arsenal to a 2-2 draw last week.
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