- Jarrod Bowen has been named West Ham captain for the new season
- Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui insisted the winger is ready for the challenge
- Get all the latest Premier League news delivered straight to your phone with Mail Sport. new whatsapp channel
Julen Lopetegui believes Jarrod Bowen will be up to the challenge of becoming West Ham captain and is confident he has made the right appointment.
Bowen, who was the Hammers’ top scorer with 20 goals in all competitions last season, was told during the club’s pre-season trip to the United States that he would be named captain this season.
Loptegeui, who will take charge of his first league game against Aston Villa on Saturday, pointed to Bowen’s leadership qualities and commitment to West Ham as the key reasons behind his decision.
‘Of course, you always have to think about the decision. In the end, we were very clear that it was a good choice.
‘It doesn’t mean that other players can’t do it, but for different reasons we decided that he would carry out his role as captain.
Jarrod Bowen has been appointed West Ham captain for the upcoming campaign
Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui insists the England star is ready to take on the challenge
“He’s an England player. He has a commitment at the club to become the new captain. We’re all going to help him. He’s happy to have this responsibility, but the captain doesn’t have any privileges. He has a big responsibility, but the rest of us are going to help him with his job. But the most important job is what happens on the pitch.”
On how to ensure Bowen is not burdened by the responsibility of wearing the armband, Lopetegui added: “I’m not worried. One of the most important things, not just for the captain and the coach but for all of us, is to put the club and the team before yourself.
“The most important thing is, in this order: our fans, the club and then the players. That’s why, for me, this is the most important thing in terms of the level of their work.”
Bowen takes on the role of captain from Kurt Zouma, who is trying to secure a move away from east London.
The defender was considered surplus to requirements and looked set to join UAE side Shabab Al-Ahli until the deal fell through this week. He is now considering other options, including a move to Saudi Arabia.
“Kurt is a fantastic person and a very good player,” Lopetegui said. “He is trying to choose his future. We will wait. It is true that he is trying to talk to other teams right now. We will see what happens.”