Ally McCoist has made a suggestion that has sparked a debate that will have West Ham fans rolling their eyes this afternoon.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s breakfast show alongside Gabby Agbonlahor, the former Scotland striker tipped Jarrod Bowen as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.

Agbonlahor initially floated Michael Olise as a possible option, but McCoist was quick to push Bowen’s name forward, claiming the West Ham captain could “go up to another level” if surrounded by world-class players.

That comment, whether intentional or not, carries a clear implication — that West Ham may actually be holding Bowen back.

Is Bowen Being Held Back at West Ham?

It’s a fair enough observation but I can’t deny that it hurts hearing it.

Certainly, the amount of defending Bowen has been asked to do at West Ham is more than he’d be tasked with at a top club. It’s also fair to say he looks more liberated when playing for England, so McCoist might have a point — no matter how unwelcome that feels.

However, his comments tap into a bigger concern. At 29, Bowen is right in his prime years. This is typically the stage where top players either...