Sunday could prove to be a decisive day in the Premier League title race as Manchester City were held to a 2-2 draw at West Ham. The result means that their lead at the top of the table is now four points, but the same can be cut to one if Liverpool beat Southampton on Tuesday night.
West Ham’s star performer on the day was undoubtedly Jarrod Bowen who grabbed both his side’s goals in an impressive opening 45 minutes for the home side at the London Stadium. Although Pep Guardiola’s men found a way back into the game in the second half, it was Bowen who was understandably receiving a large portion of the accolades at full-time.
It was fitting that Bowen played such a key role in keeping this season’s pulsating title race alive as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken on more than one occasion about his admiration for the West Ham man.
In November ahead of his side’s clash with the Hammers, the German said: "I like Bowen a lot. He made his way up from Hull and took not too long to show exactly what kind of player he can be in the Premier League. He made big steps.”
The Liverpool boss spoke glowingly again of Bowen ahead of the reverse meeting at Anfield, stating: “Bowen, what a player he became! Unbelievable. We saw him as well at Hull and he was really good at that time. I’m not sure a lot of people expected this jump, but unbelievable player.”
The compliments came on the back of reports last summer which suggested that Bowen was on Liverpool's shortlist of potential attacking transfer targets. Klopp's comments since look to legitimise these reports, and there’s now growing speculation that the club could look to make a move this summer.
Especially if contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah continue to stagnate, because Bowen is quite unique in that he’s a left-footed right-sided attacker, just like Liverpool’s star Egyptian and such players are few and far between.
While he’s maybe not yet as dangerous as Salah, he’s still a ruthless attacker boasting many traits that could see him excel at Liverpool. The 25-year-old is robust, durable, skilful and extremely hard working.
All of the above has helped him register 22 Premier League goal contributions so far this season, that’s his best in a single season since signing from Hull City in January 2020, and more than any other English player in the Premier League.
Bowen still has three years remaining on his current West Ham deal, meaning any transfer wouldn’t be cheap. Yet given his current ability, age and potential to improve even further, then it’s clear to see why he could still prove a worthwhile investment.
