Carlton Cole: Bowen Should Stay At West Ham - You Saw What Happened To Grealish
Former West Ham United striker Carlton Cole shared his thoughts exclusively with Gambling.com regarding the current situation at the London Stadium.
With David Moyes departing the club after a five-year spell, a fresh start is to be expected under new manager Julen Lopetegui next season.
West Ham finished in ninth position in Moyes' final season in charge and football betting sites have priced them at 16/1 to make an improvement under Lopetegui and finish in the top four in 2024/25.
Carlton Cole Speaks On Bowen's Future
When asked if Jarrod Bowen needs to leave West Ham for the sake of his England career Cole told us: "Not at all. Declan Rice didn't have to leave, did he?
"Whenever he (Bowen) gets his chance with his country, and you saw against Serbia he came on and did really well - that's the only way he's going to start getting the trust of Gareth Southgate.
“He’s going up against Saka who’s obviously playing for Arsenal week in, week out, and playing in the Champions League.”
Bowen made 44 appearances for West Ham across the 2023/24 season, while Saka appeared 47 times for the Gunners in all competitions.
"Playing games or starting games is the most undervalued thing...you just saw what happened to Grealish." said Cole.
“Now he's gonna have to re-evaluate how he sees the game, and how much he wants to play.
“So Jarrod Bowen is in the best position to stay at West Ham, play games, be the main man, and then he'll still get his England chances with the performances he churns out.”
How Lopetegui Can Be A Success
Julen Lopetegui has been appointed David Moyes' successor at the London Stadium and he joins after over a year out of the dugout.
On what Lopetegui needs to be a success at West Ham Cole explained: "It's always hard managing the expectations of West Ham fans.
"When he first comes in, depending on the signings that are made...we just need to see what he's made of, his style and how he works.
"We need about eight players. We're an ageing squad, and we need a little bit of continuity."
Talking about where West Ham need to make signings Cole went on to explain: "I think we still might need a right back for cover. We need another striker to take the pressure off (Michail) Antonio, who Lopetegui said he likes, and wants him to stay and remain at the club.
“But that's another position that he needs help on to cover. Probably a left sided midfielder, and a left back...Another centre half needs to be a priority too.
"So Tim Steidten's got his work cut out, but I'm sure that he's gonna get certain players in the door...I want to see him really doing what he does best, and find some unearthed gems."
If the Spaniard fails to make the changes Cole believes his former club needs, betting apps are offering 20/1 for the London club to be relegated.
Moyes' Departure Came At The Right Time
It is no secret that Moyes leaves the Hammers with the best wishes of the fans following his UEFA Europa Conference League triumph with the club back in 2023.
"David Moyes has been something special for West Ham. I think he's done a fantastic job.” Cole expressed to Gambling.com
“But when I look at it now, I feel it probably was the best for both parties...he just needed to leave at that stage before it got a little bit toxic with the fans. And the fans obviously told them (the club) and everyone in football, that they weren't happy with the style of play, and I felt it just got a little bit toxic at the end.
“But you can't take anything away from David Moyes. He's been a great servant to the club and I wish him nothing but success in the future."
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