JARROD BOWEN AND MAX KILMAN ACHIEVE UNIQUE WEST HAM MILESTON
Jarrod Bowen and Max Kilman are West Ham's ever-present iron men, playing every minute this season. Bowen provides crucial goals, while Kilman's leadership and passing are vital for Nuno Espirito Santo's defence.
Bowen And Kilman Break West Ham Player Barrier
At West Ham this season, Jarrod Bowen and Max Kilman have been exceptional.
While Kilman's influence goes unnoticed, Bowen has been West Ham's saviour, frequently scoring important goals.
Neither of the two individuals has missed a single minute of action for the London Stadium team, appearing in every Premier League match for the Hammers.
Since they are the only Irons stars to do so, Nuno Espirito Santo's chances of survival may depend on them.
Why are the only West Ham players that never miss a minute Jarrod Bowen and Max Kilman?
In Bowen's situation, it is clear that the Hammers need goals, and he typically scores them.
In 11 league games this season, Bowen has three goals and one assist; in 250 games altogether, he has 77 goals and 53 assists with the Hammers.
Kilman's situation is a little more convoluted, but the injury to Konstantinos Mavropanos and the fact that both Graham Potter and Nuno have played with three centre-backs have undoubtedly helped him.
Although he is a divisive character in the fan base, his ability to pass from the back makes him an essential member of the backline.
What has Nuno said about the outstanding pair from the Hammers?
Since starting work in East London in September, Nuno has been open about his adoration for Bowen.
The Portuguese manager understands that if the Hammers are to succeed, they must get the most out of the Three Lions star.
"He is tremendously important — he is one of the finest players in England," he stated before the 3-2 victory over Newcastle. He is one of the other players that we must get along with to get everyone in the same frame of mind.
Kilman and Nuno have a past together; during their time together at Wolves, Kilman received his first Premier League start.
"I think he is a vital element of the squad," Nuno said, praising his effect before the team's October 2-0 loss to Arsenal. He can assist with our relationships with the squad, our work ethic during training, our approach to the competition, and our level of seriousness.
"Max has been really beneficial. I am thrilled for him. [200 games] is absurd.
If the Hammers are to have any hope of remaining in the division and ending their terrible run of play, both players must maintain their outstanding performance moving ahead.
LEEDS BOOST: DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN GIVES FITNESS CLAIM BEFORE HUGE VILLA GAME
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin declares he is "as fit as I can be" ahead of facing Aston Villa. The summer signing from Everton feels settled and aims to increase his goal output after a settling-in period.
Farke's Star, Calvert-Lewin's Fitness Claim Settles Villa Selection Debate
Before the Premier League resumes this weekend, Dominic Calvert-Lewin claims he is "as fit as I can be." Calvert-Lewin is anticipated to play for Leeds United against Aston Villa at Elland Road on Sunday as the international break draws to a close.
The striker joined Leeds United during the summer transfer window, ending a nine-year stint at Everton.
Three days after signing as a free agent on August 15, he was left out of the squad to play his old team. Rather, he did not make his full debut until September 13. Since then, he has started seven of the previous eight games.
The 28-year-old claims he is up and running ahead of what will undoubtedly be a hectic few months, even if he was only able to make the bench against Nottingham Forest the last time.
Calvert-Lewin said on Sky Sports' One on One podcast regarding his early United career: "I would say it has been a good start, could be better, can always be better, being critical. However, I believe that I did not have enough time to truly get into the swing of things.
"I signed four days before the start of the season, right? I was making every effort to stay in shape, but it was not the same as training and playing with a team.
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"After I arrived, my only goal was to increase my level of fitness, which I achieved by exercising and participating in Premier League games—the most-watched league in the world.
"I believe that my output has increased as my fitness has grown, and I believe that I am currently as physically fit as I can be. Thus, all that needs to be done is fine-tune the pitch.
"In terms of the club, the players, and the staff, it has been a pleasure to join and to be a part of a fantastic bunch of guys, and I've fit in fairly quickly.
"I suppose there is something familiar, as when I first came, hearing the accents and stuff like that, it seemed like home."
Calvert-Lewin has only scored one goal in his nine games thus far, and he was even in a chance to increase that total while playing off the bench at Forest.
On Sunday, he hopes to make a comeback to the starting lineup against Aston Villa.
GONZALO GARCIA INCOMING: LEEDS BOARD CONVINCED TO BID FOR MADRID STAR
Leeds United are preparing a £17m bid for Real Madrid's Gonzalo Garcia. The 21-year-old Spaniard seeks more playing time, but faces competition from Aston Villa, Wolves, and Brighton for his signature.
Leeds Launching 'Imminent' Bid For Real Madrid Star Now
According to sources, Leeds United is prepared to start its January window with a formal £17 million approach for Real Madrid attacker Gonzalo Garcia, but Los Blancos may insist on including a less-than-ideal clause in his contract, and competition from rival Premier League teams is stiff.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, who made a splash at the Club World Cup this year with four goals, has only played 96 La Liga minutes this season and is currently ranked behind Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid is prepared to approve a permanent departure or loan-with-obligation for about €20 million (£17.6 million / $23.2 million) to ensure the young player regular football, even though he signed a new contract that will last until 2030.
Garcia has long piqued Leeds' interest. They made a similar proposal last summer, and now that the 49ers Enterprises are back in the Premier League and struggling to survive, Daniel Farke has persuaded the board that Garcia is the last component needed to ensure top-flight safety and advance to mid-table respectability.
According to club insiders, the bid is "imminent," maybe increasing to £20 million with add-ons and a sell-on option that Madrid would approve.
But the Whites are up against fierce opposition. Brighton has already begun negotiations for a straight loan, while Aston Villa and Wolves are preparing competing £17 million proposals.
Sunderland, a rival promotion team that considered Garcia to be their star acquisition, is not giving up and may return with a better package.
Leeds United is attempting to sign a Garcia
Garcia must decide between fighting for scraps at the Bernabeu and becoming the centre of attention at Elland Road, where 35,000 supporters would jeer at every move he made.
Leeds would be in a difficult situation if they attempted to re-sign the young player because Real Madrid is anticipated to seek a buy-back option in any long-term agreement. The player's camp is reportedly becoming more receptive to a Premier League transfer, according to sources in Spain.
Leeds thinks they can win the race thanks to Farke's experience with young attackers and first-team guarantees.
One of the most thrilling battles of the winter window is likely to start in earnest if the bid is accepted in the upcoming weeks.