With David Beckham and Lionel Messi epitomising the two different breeds of right-winger, West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen probably has more in common with the latter than the former.
A left-footer who loves to cut inside and shoot from the flank, rather than whip in Beckham-esque crosses by the byline, Jarrod Bowen is honestly the closest the Hammers will ever get to finding their own version of the Barcelona legend.
In the week when it emerged that West Ham could extend Bowen’s contract by triggering a 12-month extension clause – potentially keeping him at the London Stadium until the summer of 2031, if all goes to plan – the England international opened up on his idols, his top achievements, and his toughest opponents.
In short, the sort of interview which tends to emerge during an international break.
Ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against neighbours Wales on Thursday night – the West Ham United talisman could potentially lead the line with Thomas Tuchel confirming Harry Kane’s unavailability due to injury – Bowen offered a peek behind the curtain into life up against some of the Premier League’s best full-backs.
West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen picks Chelsea ace among his toughest opponents
Speaking to the club’s official website, Bowen picks England teammate and Manchester United veteran Luke Shaw alongside former Man City ace Joao Cancelo and Chelsea battler Marc Cucurella as his three hardest opponents.
“I think Luke Shaw, who has always been a really good player,” the former Hull City forward begins.
“I went to UEFA Euro 2024 with him last summer and trained with him for six weeks, and it’s obvious he is a very, very good player.
“I [also] think of Joao Cancelo when he was at Manchester City. He was always difficult to play against.
“Then there’s Marc Cucurella at Chelsea, too. He’s so aggressive and leaves it all out there. You know it’s going to be a really good battle when you go up against him, and he’s very tough to play against.”
Bowen chooses Declan Rice and Mark Noble among his top teammates
While Bowen is relishing playing alongside Malick Diouf following the Senegal star’s £19 million arrival from Slavia Prague, the swashbuckling left-back has plenty to do at this stage if he is to force his way onto a podium marked ‘Bowen’s favourite teammates’.
“I’d say Robbie McKenzie, who was with me at Hull City,” the 28-year-old adds. “He plays for Gillingham now, but we still speak every day. We’ve become really good friends.
“I’d also say Mark Noble [is one of my favourite-ever teammates]. He was the captain when I was here, and we speak all the time. He was at my wedding as well.
“I’d probably say Dec [Declan Rice] as well.”
In terms of achievements, Bowen has a few ambitions to tick off his footballing bucket list.
Michail Antonio’s Premier League record is under threat
The skipper is now only ten goals away from overtaking Michail Antonio as West Ham’s all-time Premier League goalscorer. With three under his belt already in 2025/26, the Leominster-born Bowen could end the current campaign in the history books.
“Playing for my local team, Hereford. First and foremost, that was incredible for me, and it was a dream come true,” Bowen explains when asked to highlight his top three achievements so far.
“I think winning the UEFA Europa Conference League here with West Ham, in 2023. As a player, you want to win as many trophies as possible.
“I’d also say scoring my first goal for England, which was against the Republic of Ireland in November 2024. You want to play for your country. You want to score as well, and doing both makes me incredibly proud. I think scoring for your country at Wembley is definitely a pinnacle.”
Bowen is one of eight first-teamers who could feature for their countries during the international break, alongside Lucas Paqueta, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mads Hermansen, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Callum Marshall, Tomas Soucek and the aforementioned Diouf.
“The owners personally met him and did the new deal with him for the seven-year contract, with an option for another year, so he would end his career at West Ham United,” a spokesman for the club’s board told Hammers News this week when asked about his future at club level.
“The club are confident that given time Nuno will improve results.”
“Bowen is not for sale, it really is that simple,” the West Ham source exclusively told Hammers News.
