Jarrod Bowen has been appointed West Ham captain by new manager Julen Lopetegui.
The 27-year-old takes over from Kurt Zouma, who has been allowed to explore moving to the Middle East.
Captain Bowen ©️ pic.twitter.com/Yv2txNoTaY
– West Ham United (@WestHam) August 15, 2024
Bowen will take charge of the Hammers for the first time in the Premier League when Aston Villa visit the London Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm).
“Leading guys out is something I’ve always dreamed of doing,” Bowen said on the team’s website.
“To do it in the first game, especially to be at home and, on the telly, for everyone who will be there, my family and friends, to see me leading the team will be something very special.
“It’s a great opportunity to play for a team, so I will wear it with pride and respect and do everything possible to bring good performances and good results in the season.”
Eight new players
Bowen is likely to leave the tunnel followed by any number of new arrivals, while Lopetegui has added Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Claire Todibo, Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham, Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez at United are reckoned this summer.
The Spaniard said in his press conference: “Some are more ready than others, so it’s up to us to make the right decisions.”
“(Wan-Bissaka) played pre-season with Manchester United, so we will see. It is true that he has been here for a while, so we will see tomorrow, as we do with all new players.
“We are happy with Aaron, and all the new signings will help improve our team. Having more competition at the positions is important, and Aaron will add a lot to our team. He is very happy to be here. He is at a good age, he has good experience, and he is happy.”
West Ham coach Julen Lopetegui spoke to Spanish newspaper Marca.
“We had a small team, the idea is to have two players in each position. We haven’t achieved that yet… but we’re working on it,”
“All the signings are for our love and for the sport… pic.twitter.com/8AztiLCMOP
– West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) August 15, 2024
West Ham are unbeaten in nine home games against Aston Villa, last losing 2-1 at Upton Park in April 2011. Unai Emery’s men lost their last three on the opening weekend of the season, conceding 10 goals in the process.
Lopetegui added: “Aston Villa are a Champions League club with a good coach. They have improved this summer, it will be a good test.
“Villa have had a good couple of seasons. They are a very good team all over the pitch, and they will put up a big challenge. But we have to face that, and believe in ourselves. “
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