Nedum Onuoha has shared that as a former defender he finds West Ham United’s style of play ‘really annoying’, as he told the Football Daily.
The former Manchester City player added that someone like Jarrod Bowen is a prime example after he refused to give up the ball for the penalty he won during West Ham’s win at Watford on Tuesday.
David Moyes has transformed this previously stagnating Hammers side ever since he was handed the keys to the club by the owners, for the second time.
Given how abject the club were under Manuel Pellegrini, then those in the boardroom will probably be kicking themselves that they didn’t keep Moyes on board at the first time of asking.
Nonetheless, this Champions League-chasing West Ham side are flying and Onuoha spoke about why they are ‘annoying’ in a positive light.
“I am going to say something and I don’t want anybody to take this the wrong way,” said Onuoha. “But, for West Ham, the frontline that they have. I think they are really good technically.
“But, speaking as an ex-defender, one thing about them is they are really annoying. The style of play they have makes you really not enjoy the game of football because they will be constantly stretching and pressing you.
“Every ball that is in the air. Even if they are small, they are going to fully contest it.
“When I see Jarrod Bowen, with the quality that he has, when he won the penalty. Most people give up on that. But he’s just annoying because he wants to be involved. That’s why, in some ways, you will always be in a game with them.”
Bowen has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season and a player that has progressed even further under Moyes.
The 25-year-old isn’t an England international yet, but given the road he is going down, then it won’t be too long before he earns that maiden call.
Declan Rice is already an established England international and it would be a surprise if he’s not joined by one of his club teammates at St George’s Park during these coming months.
Added with that, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar starts in November and Bowen might just be timing his form and rise to perfection.
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