Having witnessed Jarrod Bowen’s goal-scoring prowess up close, particularly in the UEFA Europa Conference League final where he netted the decisive goal, French defender Kurt Zouma had a ringside view of the forward’s capability to find the net from various angles. Bowen’s recent sensational strike against AFC Bournemouth, curling in a remarkable shot to put West Ham ahead in the second half at Vitality Stadium, showcased his knack for goal-scoring excellence.
While a late goal from Dominic Solanke denied West Ham three points, thanks in part to an unfortunate deflection off Tomáš Souček’s heel during the buildup, Bowen’s goal left a lasting impression on Zouma. The No. 4 acknowledged that Bowen’s unique qualities make him a crucial asset for the team and expressed confidence that Bowen’s exceptional goal-scoring ability would propel the Hammers to further success in the upcoming season.
Zouma shared his admiration for Bowen’s versatility on and off the ball, labeling him as a significant weapon for the team due to his all-around contribution. He noted that Bowen consistently surprises with his abilities and qualities on the pitch.
This sentiment resonates throughout the West Ham squad. The starting XI in the match against Bournemouth consisted of experienced players who have had ample time to establish camaraderie over the past year. Zouma believes this unity and understanding within the team will stand them in good stead. With a closely-knit team, both on and off the field, Zouma stressed that the players support and fight for each other, cultivating a family-like atmosphere that boosts their performance and enhances their chances of securing victories.
Among the standout players on Saturday, Zouma particularly highlighted the contribution of Alphonse Areola, his fellow countryman, who manned the goal against Bournemouth. Zouma acknowledged the privilege of having both Areola and Łukasz Fabiański as goalkeeping options, highlighting their quality and competition for the spot.
Though West Ham’s match against Bournemouth ended in a hard-fought draw, Zouma remained positive about the team’s performance. While expressing slight disappointment at not securing three points, he emphasized the team’s strong effort and the unwavering support of the fans. Zouma recognized the team’s potential to build on the positive aspects of their performance in the upcoming matches.