West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen has been given a glowing review from Stuart Pearce, who compared him to Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, the assistant manager sang the 25-year-old’s praises and claimed that he can get even better.
The Hammers’ no.20 is having a remarkable season at the London Stadium under David Moyes, which has seen him heavily linked with a move to Anfield.
With six goals and seven assists in 23 Premier League games, Bowen is spearheading the Irons to success in the division, as well as the Europa League and FA Cup.
Whilst his form is impressive, he still has a long way to go before reaching the same heights Salah has, but Pearce believes there are similarities between the duo.
“The comparisons between him and probably Mo Salah, the way Mo Salah finishes where he stands the defender up and stops him and then goes again or uses the defender, you use the defender to curl the ball around into that far corner,” the he talkSPORT Breakfast.
“And I think its just picking up a few comparisons that can help Jarrod with his game a little bit.
“Starting a run then stopping it, killing a defender in his tracks then going again, little things like that, that’s why I think he still has more to come from his game.
“Good thing with him, he’s got two really good feet, and the last goal he scored was with his head and he’s got a really good leap on him as well.
“So all-round he can score with his head or both feet which is a sign of a decent striker and he’s played up front for us as well which has been a real bonus for us as a team.”
And queried what has helped Bowen to realise his potential, he added. “I just think the environment we work in is a very professional environment, I think he gets a lot of feedback from the coaches in regard to that.
“A lot of good finishing drills from the manager and [first team coach] Paul Nevin, I’ve got to say that help his game and Alan Irvine certainly helped him when Irv was hands on at the club.”
Given the form he is in, as well as his age, Bowen can still improve and it’s something Pearce was keen to add.
“I still think there’s a lot more to come from him, I really do.
“He’s got great energy, he’s got an eye for goal and can finish with both feet.
“That’s the beauty of Jarrod. Sometimes you look at players, they look the complete article, I think with him and we’ve got various players in our ranks that I think have got more to come.
“I think Declan’s [Rice] got more to come as a player, I think Jarrod has and that can only bode well for them as individuals.”
talkSPORT BET Euro's Offer
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly