West Ham winger Said Benrahma’s performance against Arsenal yesterday has been the source of much debate among supporters.
The Algerian almost set up the winner, only for Michail Antonio’s shot to hit the post from his cross, but his unwillingness to help out much defensively has been singled out by fans on Twitter:
Yesterday shows why Saïd Benrahma isn’t a regular starter for us in my opinion.
Wonderful player to watch, but he doesn’t do enough of the defensive work for a David Moyes team. He was constantly losing his man yesterday and leaving Cresswell exposed.
— West Ham Fan Zone (@WHUFCFZ) March 22, 2021
Can see why people think this, but it’s a man with no confidence when he plays well he’s subbed then don’t start the next game. Needs a run in the team and I think after he scores he’ll improve.
— Jack Miles (@Jack_Miles) March 22, 2021
So saïd is being used as a scape goat because cresswell can’t defend I actually can’t believe it , do you see Greenwood help awb out or mane always helping out Robertson no because they can defend we can’t keep having the problem hampering out attack because our left back can’t
— Chef Manny (@Chef_Haswell) March 22, 2021
In a back five would suit Benrahma more with masuaku at left wing back supporting cresswell as well as hopefully linking up well with Benrahma in attack
— Jack Dooley (@jackdooley1999) March 22, 2021
There’s no difference between Benrahma and Felipe Anderson at the moment (except Anderson scored more goals) Moyes doesn’t;t like either of them because they don’t do the work of a Fornals.
— Claretludo (@claretludo) March 22, 2021
Imo he needs a good run of game to find his Premier league level
— RéécéJáméś (@bigkurtzou) March 22, 2021
Tricks and flicks are amazing to watch but it’s a results game still think we would of won that game yesterday if we had fornals in the squad sorry he made chambers look like cafu yesterday but onwards and upwards
— Marky_grand moff_Chelmo piss/taking/old fart (@MarkChelmo) March 22, 2021
Whether Benrahma is a luxury player or not, it is hard to answer. The 25-year-old has been in and out the first team since his arrival from Brentford in the summer, and it may have hit his confidence somewhat.
If he isn’t fully trusted by David Moyes, it is not surprising that he isn’t at his best when he plays. Saying all that, though, the Hammers have looked more solid without him in the side this season, and the decision to overlook him for Pablo Fornals does seem justified, considering the excellent results the club have had for the most part.
