Jarrod Bowen knows the importance of Thursday evening’s game. He knows just what the right result could mean for West Ham United.
Bowen and his teammates welcome SC Freiburg to London Stadium for a potentially thrilling UEFA Europa League Group A finale, with both sides still mathematically able to secure top spot and claim the benefits that come with finishing in first place.
A draw would be enough for the Irons to secure top in a European group for a third consecutive season - making them just the sixth English club to achieve that feat - but Bowen is not of the mindset that one point will be enough. The attacker wants to win Thursday’s tie and leave West Ham’s stance in no doubt.
Not that Freiburg will make it easy for the Hammers. The Bundesliga side hold the same record as West Ham from five games played – four wins and one defeat – and sit in second only on head-to-head form due to the Irons' 2-1 win in Germany.
When all these factors are brought together, Bowen believes it makes Thursday’s match a truly mouth-watering prospect.
“I think, since we've been in Europe, we've always wanted to top the group,” Bowen said. “Because it is two fewer games and gets you straight into the round of 16, which is the real business end of the competition.
“We don’t go into any game wanting to draw the game, even though we know a point will do that. Our mindset is to go and win the game. That is a message from our side that we want to win the game.
“They will want to win as well so it is all set up to be a really good game. They were a really good side when we played them away. They were tough opposition and the results they have picked up in the group show that. They could also finish top, will want to finish top, and we want to finish top so it will be a battle of the heavyweights in that regard.”
Bowen’s contributions to one of West Ham’s most historic moments, taken on the European stage in Prague against ACF Fiorentina, will forever hold a special place not just in his heart, but the collective souls of every member of the Claret and Blue Army.
While the 26-year-old still looks back on that special night, he is eager to give West Ham fans even more to cheer about.
He continued: “The summer was a real special moment for the Club and for me on a personal level. It makes you want to keep doing it and bringing those moments to the fans. I haven’t actually scored in Europe this season, so I want to score, and this game is a great chance to do that.
“That moment in the summer makes you want it more. It was the first trophy I've ever won, and it creates a hunger for you to do it again - for your teammates and the fans. It was special for everyone.
“We're still in Europe, we're in the Carabao Cup latter stages and we've got the FA Cup to come. You want to compete in every competition and they're all big opportunities to win trophies.”
With Michail Antonio dealing with injury since the November international break, Bowen has been utilised as a centre forward for the Hammers; a role he has enjoyed undertaking.
With ten goals already this season in all competitions, Bowen is eager to keep improving in his new responsibilities.
“I am just dealing with it as I go. There will be games where I struggle and it’s a learning curve, but you keep learning as you play. It is not my main position so there are a lot of things for me to learn,” he added.
“I think you take confidence from the games that you play well in. When you don’t play so well then you have the chance to learn, to see what you didn’t do so well, and try and learn.
“I wouldn't say I'm looking specifically at any other strikers on the world stage. It is more about speaking to the coaches and seeing what I can do to improve. Whether that be with or without the ball. I’m sure there will be times when I might need to play in different positions, so I've got to be ready to play any position I'm asked to play.”
