Rio Ferdinand has tipped 'resilient' West Ham to seal a Champions League spot with a top-four finish this season in the Premier League.
The former West Ham and Manchester United defender believes the form of Jarrod Bowen could be what seals it for the Hammers after the England hopefully added another goal and assist to his tally on the weekend.
Bowen's first-half strike against Leicester was his 12th goal in all competitions this season and the injury-time assist for Craig Dawson's equaliser made it 20 goal contributions in all competitions in 29 starts.
The form of the Hammers attacker has Ferdinand singing Bowen's praises and comparing him to Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.
"Bowen, he has been going under the radar, under the radar by the way. 12 goals and nine [sic] assists in all competitions this season," Ferdinand told Vibe with FIVE.
"There is only one man with more Premier League goals and assists than Bowen this season and that’s Mohamed Salah. Wow."
Ferdinand is the latest in a long line of former players to praise Bowen with Teddy Sheringham calling for the 25-year-old to be called up by Gareth Southgate next month.
"I think he’s in and around it [the England squad], he’s full of confidence at the moment. He’s exciting, he’s full of verve and he’s ready to take on any opposition," Sheringham told Genting Casino.
"I would put him in and give him a chance, [and say] “Show us what you can do at this level.” I think it’s exciting. He’s not just a flash in the pan, he gets hold of the ball, uses his body well, takes people on, shoots, brings other people into the game. I think he’s got a bit of everything, I really like him," Sheringham added.
With Bowen's form in front of goal and the influence of David Moyes on the Hammers Ferdinand has tipped his former side for a top-four finish while Sheringham believes silverware could be on the cards
"I think Moyes has brought a different side to West Ham, they’re resilient. They could be the ones that get there (top four), man, I’m telling you." Ferdinand added.
Sheringham said: "I’d love to see West Ham have a massive cup run like that, it would be unbelievable. You’ve got to look at where clubs are at the moment, when Manchester United have been in the Europa League it’s like, “Yeah, they’ll win that. Well done.
"If West Ham go on to win the Europa League, wow, what an achievement that would be, that would be so exciting for everyone at the football club to get a trophy like that. Amazing."
