POUND for pound, Jarrod Bowen (£3.8m) was arguably Dream Team’s standout asset last season.
Having previously looked promising without substantial returns, the ex-Hull winger suddenly ascended to another level, scoring 18 goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions.
When all was said and done, West Ham’s No20 racked up 210 Dream Team points, the fourth-best tally among midfielders.
Naturally, Bowen was then a popular selection ahead of Game Week 1 this season.
But the 26-year-old’s backers were left disappointed as he mustered just 13 points from his first eleven outings.
Bowen’s form has been erratic this season
He enjoyed some prosperous appearances between Game Weeks 8 and 9 when he bagged 34 points from four games but then netted zero points from the following 12 fixtures – a fallow spell that saw his price from £4.6m to £3.2m.
However, the England international has been resurgent of late, registering 43 points in his last six outings.
This purple patch has featured two assists, three goals and three Star Man awards – reminiscent of his 2021/22 form.
Bowen’s upturn has coincided with improved results for the Hammers.
Make no mistake, David Moyes’ side remain in the relegation dogfight but a run of three wins and two draws in their last six games (all competitions) has given the London Stadium faithful reason to be optimistic.
From a Dream Team perspective, many gaffers may have written off Bowen as a one-season wonder of sorts but his recent returns deserve suitable consideration.
It’s remarkable, and perhaps an indication of his pedigree, that he’s among the top ten midfielders despite two relatively long lean spells this term.
Bowen’s returns have improved in recent weeks
If Bowen can continue his good form then March may be the best time to enact a transfer for Dream Team managers tempted by this proposition.
West Ham resume Europa Conference League duties in Game Week 25 with two legs against AEK Larnaca, currently second in the Cypriot top flight.
Saying that, the Irons’ domestic fixtures aren’t too friendly; they face Man United in the FA Cup this week before league meetings with Brighton, Aston Villa and Man City.
Still, Bowen’s returns are worth monitoring.