25 November 2023 , 05:30
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David Moyes wants Jarrod Bowen to become the first West Ham player in 19 years to score 20 goals in a season and then set his sights on earning a statue in east London.
The Hammers boss says Bowen is already nearing legendary status after scoring the winning goal in last year’s Europa Conference League final.
Since then he has signed a seven-year contract and is the top scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season with eight.
Bowen, 26, returned from England duty early with a knee injury and faces a late fitness test before today’s trip to Burnley. But once he is fit, Moyes is setting some lofty targets.
“We’re maybe a third of the way through the season, so if he can keep it going [20 goals is realistic],” Moyes said. “I’m pushing him to keep his goals up and I want him to keep getting recognised by England. Goalscorers are so important. Whether he plays wide or centre forward, he’s such a threat in the Premier League now.
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"He’ll always be remembered for that goal [against Fiorentina], no matter what happens. If he’s here for another seven years then hopefully he might have a statue by the end of it for the goals he scores here.
“If he can continue to do as well as he’s doing, why should he not look forward to being a legend at this club? There have been some unbelievable names connected to West Ham and he’s got a chance of becoming one – if he’s not already one.”
While Bowen is a doubt, striker Michail Antonio is definitely ruled out for the visit to Turf Moor after he injured a knee when representing Jamaica. West Ham entered the international break with the fewest injuries in the top flight and Moyes said it was “galling” for two of his stars to be hurt when away.
But he also wishes more of his players were getting national team recognition and believes Bowen’s versatility can make him an asset for England at next summer’s European Championship.
Bowen just missed out on a spot in Gareth Southgate ’s squad for the Qatar World Cup and, Moyes says, he faces “big competition from [Phil] Foden, [Bukayo] Saka and Cole Palmer with the form he’s in at the moment.”
But the Scot added: “I want him to make it really difficult for Gareth to not take him this time. His flexibility might help. You need players who can play in different positions.”