West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has taken a subtle yet pointed jab at his former manager Graham Potter, expressing his delight in seeing young midfielder Freddie Potts finally get the recognition he deserves. Bowen’s comments come after Potts’ impressive performance against Newcastle, which marked a significant milestone in his development as a player.
The 21-year-old Potts, a product of West Ham’s renowned Academy, was expected to play a key role in Potter’s plans when he took over as manager in January. However, despite impressing in pre-season, Potts found himself relegated to the bench, with Potter preferring more experienced midfielders.
Bowen, who has been critical of Potter’s management style, was quick to praise Potts’ hard work and dedication. “He deserves every minute of it,” Bowen said, referring to Potts’ performance against Newcastle. “I just spoke to him in the dressing room and said he deserves all the praise that’s going to come his way. He’s a really good person, and he wants to work well. To have him as a teammate and see him get the opportunity and take it, he deserves everything that’s going to come his way tonight.”
The dig at Potter is evident, with Bowen implying that Potts was overlooked and underappreciated during his tenure. It’s no secret that Bowen and Potter had a strained relationship, with the captain reportedly questioning Potter’s leadership and tactics.
The win over Newcastle was a significant boost for West Ham, marking their first victory at the London Stadium since February. It was also a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, particularly from players like Potts who have had to wait for their chance to shine.
Under Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham has shown signs of improvement, with Potts playing a key role in the team’s midfield. Bowen’s comments suggest that the team is moving in the right direction, and that Potts is finally getting the recognition he deserves. As the season heats up, West Ham will be hoping to build on this momentum and secure a top-half finish.
The praise for Potts is not just limited to his performance on the pitch. Bowen’s comments also highlight the young midfielder’s character and work ethic, qualities that are essential for any player looking to make it in the Premier League. With players like Potts and Bowen leading the charge, West Ham fans can be optimistic about the future of the club.
In contrast to Potter’s tenure, Nuno’s approach seems to be yielding positive results. The Portuguese manager has shown a willingness to give young players like Potts a chance, and it’s paying off. The win over Newcastle was a testament to the team’s growing confidence and cohesion, and it’s clear that Nuno is working hard to rebuild the team’s culture and identity.
As the season enters its final stretch, West Ham will be hoping to maintain this momentum and secure a top-half finish. With players like Bowen and Potts leading the charge, the team has the talent and determination to achieve its goals. The question now is whether Nuno can keep the momentum going and lead the team to success. Only time will tell, but for now, West Ham fans can take heart in the team’s progress and the emergence of talented young players like Freddie Potts.