Speaking to Football Presse, Jarvis compared Bowen to former captains Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Declan Rice — all of whom played key roles in shaping the identity of West Ham.
“I think he has joined the other captains,” Jarvis said. “Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble, Declan Rice.
“He’s the same in the sense that he loves the club.”
For Jarvis, Bowen’s connection with supporters is what defines his leadership.
“He shows the fans what it means to play for the club with his attitude on the pitch,” he said.
“You can see he sprints around, he gives everything to that club — and that’s what the fans want, minimum.”
Bowen’s leadership style differs from some of his predecessors, but Jarvis believes it is just as effective — built on example rather than words.
“He’s getting much more vocal,” he said. “But he leads from the front and he has that respect of the other players.”
Since taking on greater responsibility, Bowen has also evolved his game — becoming more complete and influential in West Ham’s attacking structure.
“He hasn’t changed his game, but he’s added more to it,” Jarvis explained. “And that’s benefited the whole team.”
A defining moment in Bowen’s rise came with his role in delivering European success — cementing his status among the club’s modern greats.
“Winning that European trophy is a huge, huge part of what he’s about,” Jarvis said.
For Jarvis, Bowen’s bond with supporters is no coincidence.
“His rapport with the fans is huge,” he said. “And that’s down to the way he plays — his effort and his commitment to the cause.”
In a club where connection and identity matter as much as results, Jarvis believes Bowen embodies both.
And in doing so, he has firmly established himself as West Ham’s next great captain.