Sam Delaney has been speaking on the latest instalment of the U Irons podcast, where he claimed Jarrod Bowen is ‘totally suited’ to replacing the injured Michail Antonio up front.
The West Ham United winger came on as a first-half substitute in the 3-2 victory over Wolves after Antonio picked up a hamstring injury and scored his seventh Premier League goal of the season.
David Moyes rewarded the 24-year-old with a start last time out as Leicester City travelled to the London Stadium and Bowen bagged another goal against the Foxes as the capital club picked up three precious points.
With no other recognised striker in the Hammers’ squad, Bowen may have to fill in as a forward for the remainder of the season, but Delaney thinks he could be a perfect fit.
He said: “We know he can finish. We know he’s a willing runner. He’s so quick and mobile, that in a way, you look at him, and you think he’s totally suited to this role, you know, for the style of play we play.
“If we were playing in a style that required a centre- forward who could hold it up, and we just wanted to play deep, get an outlet, play it out to him and then have a player who will just hold it up while the others join him.
“Maybe that’s not something – I mean, Antonio can do that, but obviously Bowen, maybe that’s not his style – but actually, the way we play on the rapid counter-attack, we don’t look for a forward to play with his back to goal – we look for a forward to just get it and start running.
“As soon as we win the ball on the edge of the box, get running, because one of our wingers will find you, so it’s really exciting.”
TIF Thoughts on Bowen…
The former Hull City man has impressed since making the step up to the Premier League, scoring nine goals and providing a further nine assists for the east London outfit.
With Moyes deciding against signing a replacement for Sebastien Haller in the January window and Antonio facing another lengthy spell on the treatment table, the Englishman is going to have to step up to the plate once again for the Hammers.
West Ham are currently sitting in fourth place in the top-flight table, and if they are to maintain their push for a Champions League qualification spot, then Bowen may be relied upon to score the goals.
In other news: ‘I definitely think they need’ – Former West Ham striker urges Moyes to strengthen key area