Julen Lopetegui claims Jarrod Bowen will rise to the challenge of becoming West Ham captain and insists he’s ‘not concerned’ about the winger being weighed down by the armband

Julen Lopetegui believes Jarrod Bowen will rise to the challenge of becoming West Ham captain and is confident he has made the right appointment.

Bowen, who was the Hammers’ top scorer with 20 goals in all competitions last season, was told during the club’s pre-season trip to the United States that he would be made skipper this term.

Loptegeui, who takes charge of his first league game against Aston Villa on Saturday, pointed towards Bowen’s leadership qualities and commitment to West Ham as the key reasons behind his decision.

‘Of course you always have to think about the decision. In the end, we were very clear that he was a good choice.

‘It doesn’t mean that the other players cannot do it but for different reasons, we decided that he was going to develop his work as captain.

Jarrod Bowen has been appointed as West Ham’s captain for the upcoming campaign

Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui insists the England star is ready to step up to the challenge

‘He is an English national team player. He has the commitment at the club to become the new captain. All of us are going to help him. He is happy to have this responsibility, but the captain doesn’t have any privilege. He has a big responsibility but the rest of us are going to help him with his work. But the more important work is what happens on the pitch.’

On how he will ensure Bowen is not weighed down by the responsibility of wearing the armband, Lopetegui added: ‘I’m not concerned. One of the most important things, not only for the captain and for the coach but for all of us, is to put the club and the team before you.

‘The most important thing is in this order: our fans, the club and after the players. That’s why for me, this is the most important thing in the level of his work.’

Bowen takes on the role of captain from Kurt Zouma, who is trying to secure a move away from east London.

The defender was deemed surplus to requirements and had looked set to join United Arab Emirates side Shabab Al-Ahli until a deal collapsed this week. He is now looking at other options, with a move to Saudi Arabia a possibility.

‘Kurt is a fantastic person and a very good payer,’ Lopetegui said. ‘He is trying to choose his future. We are going to wait. It’s true that he is trying to talk to other teams right now. Let’s see what is going to happen.’