Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has commented positively on West Ham United playmaker Said Benrahma.
The Lowdown: Benrahma’s form
The Algerian has been criticised at times this season by manager David Moyes, indicating that he expected more from the 27-year-old after their 2-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth at the end of October.
The topic of the Moroccan international’s form has been exacerbated by the manager’s decision to withdraw him after 64 minutes in the weekend clash against Crystal Palace, despite him scoring the opening goal, with the West Ham boss commenting:
“He scored a good goal but I’m not sure he had a big impact after that.”
The Latest: Sheth’s comments
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT in the wake of the defeat on Sunday, Sheth said:
“Benrahma looked like the one who could become the match-winner in that team or have a big part in getting West Ham back into that game.
“Yes, you’re going to have times when fans will get frustrated with some of his decisions, but that’s going to be part and parcel of a player of his ability. For every two or three times he makes the wrong decision, if he makes the right decision once and it turns out to be a goal, then they’ll take it.”
The Verdict: He’s top quality
The 5 foot 8 maestro is a player of the highest calibre, but he needs the trust of his manager and a consistent run of games if he is going to have the impact on the game that Sheth envisages.
Last season, the £55k-per-week virtuoso was substituted 22 times in the Premier League, more than any other player, a trend that continued on Sunday and highlights the fact that his manager does not back him to perform for a full 90 minutes.
However, the former Brentford man – who Aston Villa columnist Ty Bracey once dubbed a “serious talent” – has proven his abilities in recent weeks by being the Hammers’ second highest-rated player against Manchester United, given a 7.1 by SofaScore, while also weighing in with a goal and a 7.9 rating against Anderlecht.
Benrahma has the potential to be West Ham’s match-winner if he is given regular game time without the constant worry that he is going to get hauled off.
