Former West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has slammed manager David Moyes for not starting Jarrod Bowen in Wednesday night’s loss to Manchester City.
Bowen made his debut for the club off the bench, replacing Robert Snodgrass in the 80th minute, but by that time the Hammers were already 2-0 down thanks to goals from Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne.
The 23-year-old will undoubtedly get chances to prove his quality, but with just 12 games remaining and West Ham sitting in the bottom three, Moyes is running out of time to launch a great escape.
Speaking on 5 Live Sport before the game, Green, along with Mark Chapman and Chris Waddle, questioned Moyes’ logic about easing Bowen in.
"The guy’s fit and ready to go," Green said. "He’s been playing in the Championship which is the more physical of the two leagues. They’ve got that energy to get from midfield to box, that link up with (Michail) Antonio or (Sebastien) Haller or whoever it may be, they’ve bought the players for it and then not playing them."
Former England international Waddle agreed, stating that Moyes needed to capitalise on Bowen’s confidence after impressing for Hull.
"I would have started Bowen tonight," Green added. "I know it’s a horrible game because we know City’s going to dominate the match and possession, but the kid’s full of confidence.
"He’s had two great seasons with Hull, he’ll fancy his chances wherever he’s playing at the minute and he’ll be one player who has confidence and he’ll be thinking ‘I want to play’.
"There’s players out who have been very hit and miss and low on confidence."
