Jarrod Bowen celebrates his 27th birthday on Wednesday 20 December 2023, and the forward knows exactly what present he wants the most.
The attacker will be spending his birthday on Merseyside with his West Ham United teammates as the Hammers prepare for a big Carabao Cup quarter-final test. Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool await the Irons at Anfield with a spot in the last four of the competition up for grabs.
While any joyous celebrations around turning a year older may need to be put on hold, Bowen is hopeful of a different kind of party come Wednesday evening. Reaching the semi-finals of any cup tournament and beating a team of Liverpool’s stature to do so would certainly be a feat worth marking.
“I will be away for my birthday because we’re playing Liverpool and that is another great game for us,” Bowen said. “You know we are one game away from a semi-final in the Carabao Cup.
“It is a trophy to try and grab. Any trophy you win is a massive landmark for anyone. It is a really tough game against Liverpool, but we have some really exciting games coming up to really kick on again.
“We’re also into the knock-out stages of the UEFA Europa League and we’ve got the FA Cup to come so there are still lots of opportunities. You want to compete in every competition and they're all big opportunities to win trophies.”
“A 1-0 win and a goal would be nice but if we get through, I think that would be a nice birthday present.”
Bowen knows a thing or two about big goals on the biggest stages. The newly-turned 27-year-old has already netted a fantastic finish at Anfield this season, when West Ham visited the Reds in the Premier League in late September.
And, of course, a discussion about Bowen’s goalscoring efforts is not complete without reference to his UEFA Europa Conference League-winning finish against ACF Fiorentina in June.
As 2023 draws to a close, it has certainly been a year to remember for Bowen. Big goals and big moments have led to a new, seven-year contract, while the forward and his partner also welcomed twin baby girls into the world earlier this year.
It is fair to say that being 26 was one of the best years of Bowen’s life. Maybe even the best. But, now a year older, the No20 wants to make even more special memories.
“I am never one to big myself up or speak to highly of myself. But I think with the new contract and the summer and how it has all gone, this is where I want to be and where I want to play my football.
“I feel loved and I am a really happy player and that is what gets the best out of you. There are many years to hopefully keep writing my name it the history of this Club.”
