First Team Squad
Player profile and performance records.
Said Benrahma (Midfielder)
Said Benrahma
Ain Temouchent, AlgeriaPosition: Midfielder
Born: 10th Aug 1995 (Ain Temouchent, Algeria)
Signed: 16th Oct 2020 (£25,000,000)
Contract: 5 years
Previous Club: Brentford
KUMB Awards: None.
Benrahma began his youth career with Algerian club NRB Bethioua before moving to France and joining Balma SC, Colomiers and then Ligue 1 club Nice in 2013.
He made his professional debut under manager Claude Puel during the 2013?EUR"14 season, but played most of his football for the club with the reserve team for whom he made 37 appearances and scored 11 goals between 2013 and 2016.
Ankle injuries and the arrival of manager Lucien Favre led to Benrahma spending a large portion of his latter career with the club away on loan, at Ligue 1 club Angers and Ligue 2 clubs Gaz?(C)lec Ajaccio and Ch??teauroux.
He departed the Stade de Nice in July 2018, having made 18 appearances and scored three goals during his time with the club.
On 6 July 2018, Benrahma joined Championship club Brentford on a four-year contract, with the option of a further year, for an undisclosed fee, reported to be ??2.7 million.
The Algerian international oozed class for the Bees and made the step up to the top flight in October 2020 on the final day of the transfer window.
Signed initially by West Ham on a season-long loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent at the end of the 2020/21 season, Benrahma's deal was pushed through in January 2021 in order to accommodate the signing of Jesse Lingard from Manchester United on loan (Premier League clubs are restricted to two domestic loans at any one time).
Benrahma changed his squad number from #9 to #22 ahead of the 2021/22 season.
vs FK TSC Backa Topola
3-1: Thursday, 21st September(Played 90 minutes)
Short of his usual performances in these games, where he has, in the past, shown an arrogance required to boss lesser players. Seemed to be struggling, then pulled off delightful skill and a perfect cross for the equaliser.
vs Luton Town
2-1: Friday, 1st September(Played 90 minutes)
You could argue it wasn?EUR(TM)t his type of game, but you have to also wonder when he's going to ever dominate a full back or opponent at this level. He wasn't outwardly bad, and he at least took shots, but he isn't convincing, and it's not a major surprise that the manager has considered his options there during the window.
vs Brighton & Hove Albion
3-1: Saturday, 26th August(Played 51 minutes, sub)
(Relaced Soucek, 39) Wasn't having an impact on the game, but then produced the magic that you put him into the team for.
vs Bournemouth
1-1: Saturday, 12th August(Played 90 minutes)
Not at the racecs and lucky to feature for the full 90 minutes.
vs Fiorentina
2-1: Wednesday, 7th June(Played 90 minutes)
Benrahma struggled to influence the game and couldn't provide the magic spark in a performance that saw him do more defending than attacking. But speaking of Bowen's nerve, what about Sa??d's? Rifled home his penalty, and celebrated like an icon.
vs Leicester City
1-2: Sunday, 28th May(Played 90 minutes)
His lovely effort that clipped the post was worthy of a goal. Benrahma seems to have found a bit more confidence moving into more central areas, something Fornals does well from the left, and looking at and finding pockets of space could get him into better positions to profit from his quick feet.
vs Leeds United
3-1: Sunday, 21st MayDid not play.
vs AZ Alkmaar
1-0: Thursday, 18th May(Played 90 minutes)
Not the wonderful performance of last week, but if anyone deserved a quieter night after that, it's him. What he should get an immense amount of credit for is his defending. He's not known as a man who will always stick to his task, but the motivation of a final can do a lot for a footballer and Sa??d had the focus.
vs Brentford
0-2: Sunday, 14th May(Played 32 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Cornet 58) A lot didn't come off, but he suddenly gave us a threatening presence on the ball, and nearly made a goal, if not for VAR.
vs AZ Alkmaar
2-1: Thursday, 11th May(Played 90 minutes)
Head and shoulders above everyone else as the best player on the pitch. Had he scored the late chance, he would have rightly earned a rare 10/10. Even when things didn?EUR(TM)t come off at the end of it all, his threat carried a team that was losing its way and eventually, he dragged the others with him.
vs Manchester United
1-0: Sunday, 7th May(Played 90 minutes)
An exceptional performance from the Algerian, who teased and tormented Man Utd's rearguard throughout. His goal was a calamitous error by De Gea, but if you don't buy a ticket...
vs Manchester City
0-3: Wednesday, 3rd May(Played 11 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Bowen 79?EUR(TM)) A lovely pass for the late Paqueta chance.? Worked? hard.
vs Crystal Palace
3-4: Saturday, 29th April(Played 45 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Fornals 45' )
vs Liverpool
1-2: Wednesday, 26th April(Played 70 minutes)
A harsh rating, as he did better in attack today, even if he was still a little subdued. But his version of blocking or shielding from runners on corners is awful, and that?EUR(TM)s assuming he wasn?EUR(TM)t meant to track Matip.
vs Bournemouth
4-0: Sunday, 23rd April(Played 90 minutes)
A few wasted opportunities, but it is more that he just doesn't seem to be excelling with the unit at the moment. A more traditional left wing role maybe forces him to be going backwards too often, and is likely more suited to Fornals.
vs Gent
4-1: Thursday, 20th April(Played 90 minutes)
A continuation of Benrahma's quieter performances of late. Couldn't pick a good cross, didn't really threaten, but had the odd moment.
vs Arsenal
2-2: Sunday, 16th April(Played 90 minutes)
Improved as the game went on, but was so painfully exposed by Arsenal, who appeared pretty aware of the Algerian's slack attitude to defending.
vs Newcastle United
1-5: Wednesday, 5th April(Played 90 minutes)
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vs Southampton
1-0: Sunday, 2nd April(Played 90 minutes)
A couple of good passes, but does not seem suited to a team that looked set up to play in fast transitions. At least not out wide.
vs Aston Villa
1-1: Sunday, 12th March(Played 90 minutes)
A constant threat, and whilst in some games those long shots can be frustrating, they were not only well aimed today, they were often the best option. Ings never got or made the space with his runs, so Benrahma was getting long balls, taking them down and having to make something himself because the midfield was coming from deeper to get there.
vs AEK Larnaca
2-0: Thursday, 9th March(Played 90 minutes)
In a quiet game, he had two good moments that should have ended with two assists, instead of one. Probably should have taken a grip of the game more, and he has in the past shown he can really have fun against this type of opponent.
vs Brighton & Hove Albion
0-4: Saturday, 4th March(Played 90 minutes)
Somewhat unlucky to get taken off, considering the whole team was playing badly and Benrahma at least had shown an ability to threaten Brighton by running at them. Sure, it was once, and the chance came because he lost the ball, but considering how bad the whole team were, this was not a Said issue and it wasn't a change that would solve any of the problems on display.
vs Manchester United
1-3: Wednesday, 1st March(Played 90 minutes)
The game he played today is the game people have been telling you he plays all the time. Danced through defenders, made things happen, got West Ham moving forward and then scored a beauty of a goal.
vs Nottingham Forest
4-0: Saturday, 25th February(Played 90 minutes)
Before the goals came, Benrahma was having a very frustrating game. Extra touches when he needed to be quicker, bad decisions or execution when he'd made space. The burst into the box for the second goal, and the ball being the obvious and right choice, were everything he wasn't doing and brilliant.
vs Tottenham Hotspur
0-2: Sunday, 19th February(Played 19 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Downes 71) Looked a little lost, but the game was dead when he came on. He didn't do too well within it, but that's no surprise, looking at how the team played.
vs Chelsea
1-1: Saturday, 11th February(Played 90 minutes)
Whilst his influence on the game was not felt in the attacking third, Benrahma deserves great credit for the diligence and discipline within his defensive duties. It is something he is often criticised for, and he deserves credit for doing selfless work that he absolutely would be told he doesn't do by his critics. Me included.
vs Newcastle United
1-1: Saturday, 4th February(Played 90 minutes)
Wasteful and selfish, chose the wrong options in attack on multiple occasions and couldn't deliver on the rare occasions he chose the right one. Lucky to stay on as long as he did, and wouldn't have if Moyes trusted Fornals or had Cornet.
vs Derby County
2-0: Monday, 30th January(Played 26 minutes, sub)
(Replaced (Antonio 64) A nice little cameo, making one good chance.
vs Everton
2-0: Saturday, 21st January(Played 90 minutes)
Some poor choices on the ball, some good ones that went without reward. He didn?EUR(TM)t have a great influence on things, but did seem to enjoy having Emerson with him.
vs Wolves
0-1: Saturday, 14th January(Played 31 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Soucek 59) Brought some life into things, until Fornals went off and he was left as a standard left winger in a 4-4-2, which doesn?EUR(TM)t suit him.
vs Brentford
1-0: Saturday, 7th January(Played 22 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Soucek 68) In a better game, those two moments where he killed attacks late on might have nudged that to a 7. But it was the quality moment of the game and the decisive one, that made all the difference. He does seem to thrive in sub appearances.
vs Leeds United
2-2: Wednesday, 4th January(Played 21 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Fornals 79) Took silly risks in his own half and failed to produce with the ball.
vs Arsenal
1-3: Monday, 26th December(Played 90 minutes)
The penalty bumps him a little, but the decision-making from Benrahma was ridiculous. Lazy or switched off in defence.
vs Leicester City
0-2: Saturday, 12th November(Played 90 minutes)
A generous 7, especially as he flitted out of the game at times and didn't really produce anything too tangible, but he threatened, came in off the flank well and had a verve and drive that others lacked. It was his play that awoke the crowd and his teammates.
vs Crystal Palace
1-2: Sunday, 6th November(Played 90 minutes)
Benrahma was really bad outside of the goal. He would be on a Bowen score, at least. But he scored a brilliant goal, and goals are a priceless commodity, especially in struggling sides. Them's the breaks. The boos for taking him off were ridiculous, a Twitterfication of West Ham.
vs Manchester United
0-1: Sunday, 30th October(Played 90 minutes)
Whilst the report is a little overly critical, Benrahma had a spark. It didn't lead to enough opportunities, but it led to more than what others offered.
vs Silkeborg
1-0: Thursday, 27th October(Played 90 minutes)
The most entertaining player on the pitch. It is never all going to come off for Benrahma, but he and Fornals looked naturals in the system with this freedom to roam and switch roles.
vs AFC Bournemouth
2-0: Monday, 24th October(Played 90 minutes)
First league start since August, and a first goal of the season. Threatened often without producing that final ball, but he was lively and a problem for Bournemouth. No better word than emphatic to describe that pen.
vs Liverpool
0-1: Wednesday, 19th October(Played 30 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Fornals 60) Came out of the traps fast and threatened the Liverpool defence with something different, a bit of trickier and direct running. Did really well to get the ball central for what ended up as Soucek?EUR(TM)s big chance. His cameos often feel better than his starts, but he has earned the right to prove that wrong.
vs Southampton
1-1: Sunday, 16th October(Played 32 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Emerson 58) A fast start gave way to a meek finish, but he changed the dynamic and his dribbling gave us an edge. The play on the goal was simple, but good, and his cameo made us better.
vs Anderlecht
2-1: Thursday, 13th October(Played 90 minutes)
He wasn't as smooth as silk, there were still typical Benrahma moments where the simple seemed to suddenly be too much, but the freekick was lovely, he combined well with Paqueta and scared Anderlecht.
vs RSC Anderlecht
1-0: Thursday, 6th October(Played 90 minutes)
Not bad, nor very good. Whereas Lanzini was fine in a tepid, forgetful way, Benrahma was fine in as much as his good balanced out his bad.
vs Everton
0-1: Sunday, 18th September(Played 28 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Paqueta 62) You could write a similar review of a Benrahma performance every week and the two camps there seem to be around him would argue. You can never be nice enough for one, nor harsh enough for the other. He was fine, he offered something different, something more direct and more mobile. He deserves more time, not so much because he?EUR(TM)s been brilliant, but because it isn?EUR(TM)t working as is.
vs Silkeborg
3-2: Thursday, 15th September(Played 27 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Paqueta 63) Had his teammates been awake, Benrahma would have been able to shine. Unfortunately, they were not, and his movement was often ignored, his teammates not receptive to the quick football he wanted to play.
vs FCSB
3-1: Thursday, 8th September(Played 90 minutes)
Persistent, determined, but not really able to find that space and make something happen. Unluckiest of the three who were hooked.
vs Chelsea
1-2: Saturday, 3rd September(Played 17 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Antonio 73) A very good cameo, with a great run and cross to set up Cornet.
vs Tottenham Hotspur
1-1: Wednesday, 31st August(Played 90 minutes)
Takes up positions in those half-spaces better than a lot of West Ham players. Combined well with Fornals and Antonio on occasion, but struggles to leave his mark on games against good opposition.
vs Aston Villa
1-0: Sunday, 28th August(Played 45 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Emerson 46) A really hard one to assess. A good substitution, he did what was required off the ball, always making runs and making the midfield and defence have to judge his position and where to engage. But on the ball, he often failed. He had chances to deliver in good areas, but either lost the ball, shot badly or crossed poorly. Yet his introduction and his movement into space made us a much better attacking threat. Game-changing, yet with notable areas to improve.
vs Viborg FF
3-0: Thursday, 25th August(Played 90 minutes)
He's just the perfect player for these type of opponents. When you need someone to absolutely show he's off a better standard, Benrahma's natural game is to expose those weaknesses and relentlessly beat his man. As Viborg tired, Benrahma just toyed with them Great finish, should have had an assist later.
vs Brighton & Hove Albion
0-2: Sunday, 21st August(Played 90 minutes)
Flattered to deceive, the epithet to Benrahma's West Ham career, for the most part. In his defence, in a game where your team can't get to grips with the ball and let the defence settle in, it makes it much harder for him to have an impact. But if you waste the ball when you get it, that sympathy runs dry.
vs Viborg FF
3-1: Thursday, 18th August(Played 23 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Bowen 67) One big moment and it was all down to his individual brilliance. There just isn?EUR(TM)t another West Ham player who would have done it, the confidence to take his extra touches and not panic because space was tight.
vs Nottingham Forest
0-1: Sunday, 14th August(Played 90 minutes)
Robbed of a 9/10 by an awful referee and pure bad luck. It wasn?EUR(TM)t non-stop, he had his quiet patches and ended the game well, but was the best player on the park. Beating men for fun, in a way West Ham fans have only really seen against poor sides in the Europa League, and finding end product. Crossed well, deserved goals, not just the one ruled out, worked hard. You wouldn?EUR(TM)t be in a rush to sell that player in a rarely pedestrian West Ham squad. Consistency is next.
vs Manchester City
0-2: Sunday, 7th August(Played 34 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Lanzini 56) Frustrating, but it was at least refreshing to have a reason to be annoyed by someone?EUR(TM)s actions, so little did the others do before him
Norwich City
4-0: Saturday, 7th MayOne of his better West Ham performances, although he was still quite frustrating to watch as he turned good to bad on too many occasions. A bit of luck on the first goal, but an excellent finish for the second.
Arsenal
1-2: Sunday, 1st MayHad moments in the first half, but very much on the periphery and got quieter as it went on.
Eintracht Frankfurt
1-2: Thursday, 28th AprilHe had a positive impact on the game yet failed to deliver when in dangerous areas. Benrahma giveth and Benrahma taketh away.
Chelsea
0-1: Sunday, 24th AprilJust sloppy moments after good moments, which is a shame. He worked really hard in the first half, dropped off in the second and should have been replaced sooner.
Burnley
1-1: Sunday, 17th April(Replaced Vlasic, 64) It wasn't that he did anything truly notable or brilliant, he just added a more lively threat than Vlasic and had the bursts of pace and intelligence of movement to create bits of space when Burnley were trying to restrict it.
Lyon
3-0: Thursday, 14th April(Replaced Rice, 90) Not on long enough to be noticed.
Brentford
0-2: Sunday, 10th April(Replaced Lanzini, 57) Not quite as bad as Bowen and Antonio, but pretty awful. Unlike Thursday, where things he tried nearly came off and he was a nuisance even in his failures, today he looked half-paced and brainless.
Lyon
1-1: Thursday, 7th AprilThe margins between what he does being good and what he does being bad are so fine. He needs to learn when to deliver the ball, whether that's a cross, pass or shot. He can beat a man like Payet, but Dimi would use the ball brilliantly. Benrahma often chooses to beat his man again. Maybe he finds the space and no one is in the box, but he might be better off just putting in the good cross and teaching the forwards to be ready.
Everton
2-1: Sunday, 3rd AprilHe was having a good game, but the errant passing in the second half put the side under pressure.
Tottenham
1-3: Sunday, 20th MarchThe bright spark for West Ham. Dangerous, more consistent with his use of the ball, comfortable down the right and eager to get on the ball. Took his chance immaculately.
Aston Villa
2-1: Sunday, 13th MarchI’ll allow the more cynical analyst with the rewatch to take apart his negatives, I’ll stick to the positives. He got a lot of the ball down the left, and he didn’t always use it well. But he often had Cresswell standing still, Antonio too far from goal and the expectation to beat one or two before finding a perfect ball on his weaker side. When the game opened up, he burst into life and made two goals. And he really made them, the pass to Yarmolenko direct and precise, after creating space well to open it up, and the pass for Fornals’ goal almost forcing the Spaniard to attack the space he should be. He gets a lot of criticism, but considering the frustration around this attack not making the right decisions up top, his two incisive ones won the game.
Seville
0-1: Thursday, 10th March(Replaced Vlasic, 66) For the energy and the big chance he created, it was a huge plus. But the way his inclusion changed the game, forcing Sevilla back, may have stopped this being a bigger score in the home side's favour.
Liverpool
0-1: Saturday, 5th March(Replaced Bowen, 53) Just very poor with the ball. Bad passes, bad choices, confused dribbling. Just completely out of form.
Southampton
1-3: Wednesday, 2nd March(Replaced Soucek, 52) Abysmal. Made the team much worse, a hindrance more than anything else.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
1-0: Sunday, 27th FebruaryDid not play.
Leicester City
2-2: Sunday, 13th February(Replaced Lanzini, 78) All the energy late on came from Benrahma. Looked dangerous, threatened goal, worked hard to get involved in the build-up and the final third.
Watford
1-0: Tuesday, 8th FebruaryOne big chance aside, Benrahma wasn't in the game. Probably should have done better with his chance, but couldn't make anything happen as Watford limited the space to play in.
Kidderminster Harriers
2-1: Saturday, 5th FebruaryThe only player in the first half who showed any glimpse of having something about him, even if it didn't work. He creates space with the ball at his feet better than most West Ham players, and today he combined well with Rice in the second half. Their partnership together down the left dragged the side back into the game and Benrahma worked harder than anyone to keep going when it looked not to be working. Not a vintage display, but the endeavour gets praise.
Crystal Palace
3-2: Saturday, 1st JanuaryHis decision making and weight of pass was perfect at times in this game, especially in the first half. But he drifted out of it a little, and didn't do quite enough to defend his left back when required. However, the cross for the goal absolutely makes it, Antonio left only to touch in what was a perfect delivery. It's what he's capable of and the template for what he should be looking to do more often down that flank. Has come into some good form just as he leaves for the AFCON.
Watford
4-1: Tuesday, 28th DecemberSharper today and better in possession. Less erratic moments and more direct threat, deservedly rewarded with a good goal.
Southampton
2-3: Sunday, 26th DecemberThat's a 5/10 even though he scored. His use of the ball around the penalty area was criminal all game. He took the goal exceptionally well, but a rewatch of that game will show a man who found excellent positions with time and space, but chose the wrong option and displayed awful execution.
Tottenham Hotspur
1-2: Wednesday, 22nd December(Replaced Vlasic, 68) Looked a spark, albeit misguided at times. There's something about him as a sub, the energy and the unpredictability, that makes you think he may be better introduced into games against tiring defenders.
Arsenal
0-2: Wednesday, 15th December(Replaced Lanzini, 76) Nothing he did worked, then he got robbed trying something with a really low chance of success and we conceded. He's had a bad, bad run recently and is becoming an advert for signing Lingard.
Burnley
0-0: Saturday, 11th DecemberSome will be harsher, but at least Benrahma was causing issues. His final ball was lacking, but you might well argue that the chaos he caused was bothering Burnley, and that eventually he would get it right. When he went off, some of that threat went from the team, and others were tired where Benrahma seemed still sharp. He is going to frustrate, but the bits of magic in his feet are a unique trait in a sometimes workmanlike team.
Chelsea
3-2: Saturday, 4th December(Replaced Lanzini, 85) Cameo but had energy and running needed for it.
Brighton & Hove Albion
1-1: Wednesday, 1st DecemberNowhere near good enough in possession today. 56% pass accuracy, but he did dribble out well on a few occasions to start counters. It's so frustrating, and he is arguably suffering because the attack looks slightly worse in all areas. He doesn't deserve to remain the scapegoat, but Lanzini deserves a chance.
Manchester City
1-2: Saturday, 27th NovemberAs mentioned, his displays are hugely affected by Antonio and it is hard for him to create a lot with an Antonio that isn't on form. But he was poor on the ball and two big moments in the attacking third didn't go well.
Rapid Vienna
2-0: Thursday, 25th November(Replaced Bowen, 65) Had the energy he always brings and looked confident on the ball, but should have squared to Vlasic.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
0-1: Saturday, 20th NovemberIt didn't work for him today. Comparisons to Lingard are going to come now, and this is a game where you need a ball carrier like Lingard compared to the pockets Benrahma picks up. Lingard would have helped the midfield out, Benrahma isn't as good at that. It didn't help that the defence passed out poorly and the two wide men were not in the game, but he didn't adapt to change how he played and stamp some authority on the match.
Liverpool
3-2: Saturday, 6th NovemberThe performance midweek set the platform for this. All credit to him for his development in the defensive side because he’s now married it with his attacking ability so that neither detracts from the other. Scared Alexander-Arnold with the ball at his feet and was more disciplined with it too.
Genk
2-2: Thursday, 4th NovemberEasily man of the match, he was unlucky not to have a hat trick and really took it upon himself to drag his side out of the mire. The second goal was pure individual brilliance, and it was his connection with the ball on both goals that made them hard for the goalkeeper to save, earning the luck that he got as both went through Vandevoordt's legs. Looked sharp, confident and the only one not unsettled by the shambles around him. The kind of performance that will remind many of his qualities.
Aston Villa
4-1: Sunday, 31st OctoberA little unlucky for him that the game opened up later on and he wasn’t on at that point, but whilst he had his frustrating moments, in the first half he defended from the front excellently and kept to task more than others. Opened the midfield up for Rice’s goal.
Manchester City
0-0: Wednesday, 27th October(Replaced Vlasic, 62) Brought on energy and had the skill to get round City players that seemed lacking from the team before. Took his penalty well under pressure.
Tottenham Hotspur
1-0: Sunday, 24th OctoberOne of those games for him. He was getting close to doing good things and then picking the wrong pass or playing the pass poorly. Sometimes pressed well, but the whole team went deep and we didn't really stop them pushing forward and playing how they wanted.
KRC Genk
3-0: Thursday, 21st October(Replaced Bowen, 83) So little happened in the final ten minutes that it’s worthless rating the performances.
Everton
1-0: Sunday, 17th OctoberMuch to the chagrin of some of my KUMB colleagues, I won't slate Benrahma here. He was inconsistent and infuriating, but there were moments from him that no other player in the team could have produced and created chances with that. Some work on his shooting and final ball wouldn't go amiss, it appears to be entirely about composure rather than technical skill.
Brentford
1-2: Sunday, 3rd OctoberInvolved in a lot of good things but also should have done better with his efforts from outside the box. Faded late on and should have been replaced.
Rapid Vienna
2-0: Thursday, 30th SeptemberLooked the big threat in the first half and ghosted by players for fun. Came alive again late on and deserved his goal.
Leeds United
2-1: Saturday, 25th SeptemberAn interesting one for Benrahma. When he was good, we were good, and he was the biggest threat in the first half. Not only that, he made two quite vital interceptions in and around his own penalty area when others were missing. Too harshly criticised by those who see him as a luxury.
Manchester United
1-0: Wednesday, 22nd SeptemberDid not play.
Manchester United
1-2: Sunday, 19th SeptemberHad the beating of Fred and McTominay whenever he wanted, it seemed, and presses well too. Floated in and out of things but looked the likeliest source of inspiration when he did. Deserved the luck for his goal, although it looked to be going wide.
Dinamo Zagreb
2-0: Thursday, 16th September(Replaced Lanzini, 51) Came into a game that was basically finished. Smart flashes and carried a bit of threat.
Southampton
0-0: Saturday, 11th SeptemberFine in the neat passages of play in ineffective areas, but not attuned to his teammates when it mattered. To be fair to him, it didn’t really click for any of them, but the opportunities fell to the Algerian to create, and he couldn’t.
Crystal Palace
2-2: Saturday, 28th AugustBack in the middle, Benrahma was very involved in an exciting first half. Played Antonio through in the lead-up to the opener. Not quite as good as Lingard at dropping into midfield and bringing the ball forward. Would have helped today.
Leicester City
4-1: Monday, 23rd AugustIt’s happening, Benrahma is clicking in this side and looks a star in the making. Oozed class throughout, took is goal brilliantly but even better was the perfect pass on his weaker foot to set up Fornals for the opener. The hints of Payet continue, and any areas he lacks in comparison are made up for with a growing work effort. Deserves the attention and praise he is bound to get, whilst Moyes deserves credit for how he has managed his introduction to the team.
Newcastle United
4-2: Sunday, 15th AugustMan of the Match. He was lively throughout and the Newcastle defence struggled to contain him. Since these struggles with a poor Newcastle team started, it has needed a player like Benrahma to break down these defences. Today it was proven so, and you could see his team and manager now trusted him too. His movement between the lines of midfield and defence is brilliant, his turn and touch fantastic. The vision matched them today.
Celtic
6-2: Saturday, 24th JulyA different class to anything Celtic had on the pitch. The goal was outstanding as was some of Said's passing. Seems to have bulked up a little since the end of last season. Very promising.
Celtic
6-2: Saturday, 24th JulyA different class to anything Celtic had on the pitch. The goal was outstanding as was some of Said's passing. Seems to have bulked up a little since the end of last season. Very promising.
Southampton
3-0: Sunday, 23rd May(Replaced Antonio, 68) Never really got into a game, but it was a game that had gone completely flat as it seemed the players waited for the season to end.
West Bromwich Albion
3-1: Wednesday, 19th MayFaded a touch in the second half but buzzed with energy and ingenuity in a way few others did. The pass for the equaliser was exquisite for so many reasons. A fine margin of error, the vision to do it and the composure to take that ball down and pick the right pass. His two big moments in the last two games will go a long way to confirming European football when his teammates had shown their fatigue.
Brighton & Hove Albion
1-1: Saturday, 15th May(Replaced Bowen, 63) Game changer for West Ham. His cross to Dawson was the best of the game, his goal a brilliant effort and something none of his teammates had looked capable of. It’s a shame he started out wide, he was clearly the man needed in the middle to change things.
Everton
0-1: Saturday, 8th MayStruggled and taken off. No space to play, should have scored the header too. Probably better than Lingard in some ways, even more so as we needed magic and he still tried more of that than Lingard, but not a great showing in a team that disappointed.
Burnley
2-1: Saturday, 1st MayIf he had scored, and he easily could have, it could have been a Payet-like performance. He has more pace than the Frenchman, but not his consistency. The ball for Antonio’s goal shows he has the talent, it just needs directing and honing. At times, Burnley just couldn’t live with him. They couldn’t even cut him down like they usually would, he was faster and better than them to an extent he skipped away before the tackles could really come. He played like Lingard has been for weeks, but without as much end product. Today he brought some, the assist for Antonio’s second a piece of magic.
Chelsea
0-1: Saturday, 24th April(Replaced Fornals, 69) Whilst the red card blew West Ham’s momentum, there was a moment where Benrahma made space and had the time to deliver into a packed box. He instead shot wildly from 30 yards and his dissenters turned to say “I told you so.” If he wants to go from expensive option to crucial player, he has got to think more.
Newcastle United
2-3: Saturday, 17th April(Replaced Noble, 75) It looked like he was trying too hard, but there was one ball in particular that Clark was so lucky not to turn into his own net, and he maybe would have had Bowen been making the run and putting the pressure on – the kind of gamble he doesn’t take as willingly as a natural striker.
Leicester City
3-2: Sunday, 11th April(Replaced Bowen, 84) Unfortunately, his early touches were poor and he played dangerously in his own area. One good turn was immediately ruined by a poor pass. Probably needs to stop trying so hard to prove he’s good enough and to play smarter.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
3-2: Monday, 5th April(Replaced Fornals, 78) He did nothing for about 10 minutes, but should get credit for wasting time in the corner and being hard to get a hold of.
Arsenal
3-3: Saturday, 20th MarchInconsistent on the ball but dangerous, links well and his burst of pace and quick feet get him through areas that Fornals and Bowen never could. But whilst he may get back, he isn’t disciplined or switched on enough to track runners. That is understandable, but doesn’t work with Cresswell’s weaknesses.
Manchester United
0-1: Sunday, 14th March(Replaced Johnson, 62) There are a lot of laments for Benrahma, people who claim the manager can’t trust him or wish the money had been spent elsewhere. It’s criticism of a player for not being a defensive option, but must he be? He works hard in the opposition half and does work back, just not with the discipline of Bowen and Fornals. But then both of those often look a little tired in the final third, and Benrahma would have helped us retain possession and offer a threat. He did when he came on, dribbling well and linking with Lanzini. His crossing was poor though.
Leeds United
2-0: Monday, 8th MarchHe and Lingard have proven before that they complement each other well, and Fornals added to that mix well. Benrahma has balance that opponents struggle to match and he makes space for himself brilliantly whilst on the move. Some will find his shooting frustrating, but we do need the threat of those efforts so as to keep the defence guessing.
Manchester City
1-2: Saturday, 27th February(Replaced Johnson, 83) What he did that Bowen didn’t was get on the ball and try run or clever interchanges. Looked like he could have threatened, given more time.
Tottenham Hotspur
2-1: Saturday, 20th February(Replaced Bowen, 65) Unfortunately for him, he came on when the rest of the attacking players were out of energy and the team was only really defending. Bothered Sanchez, tying him up in knots on a couple of occasions, but limited to brief moments. His throw to Cresswell in his own half was daft and caused problems.
Sheffield United
3-0: Monday, 15th February(Replaced Lingard, 82) The game had slowed down considerably by the time he came on, but he showed his threat by creating Fredericks’s goal.
Manchester United
0-1: Tuesday, 9th February(Replaced Fornals, 88) Nice touches at times but there was no end product.
Fulham
0-0: Saturday, 6th FebruaryAnother one it just didn’t happen for. He worked hard and got back defensively, but it didn’t click. Rinse and repeat for all the front four. Only made 10 passes.
Aston Villa
3-1: Wednesday, 3rd FebruaryHe won’t get the plaudits, but Benrahma was excellent tonight and a lot of good from Lingard’s performance came from Benrahma’s play, and vice versa. He is working so much harder to defend from the front than he did when he first arrived. The pass for Soucek’s goal was perfect, in vision, direction and pace of the pass.
Liverpool
1-3: Sunday, 31st JanuaryPressed with more energy than any of the midfield or forward players. There was a spark to him that no one else had, and whilst Bowen (63% pass accuracy), Fornals (60%) and Antonio (43%) were poor on the ball, he retained it much better and wanted to get on it and try make things happen. They didn’t, but he showed a far better attitude than anyone else.
Crystal Palace
3-2: Tuesday, 26th JanuaryStill struggling to find the credit he deserves from plenty of the West Ham support, today he was excellent. Can turn and dribble in tight spaces in a way no one else is capable of, and had Antonio had his scoring boots on, Benrahma could have left this game with multiple assists. The relationship with the other attackers, especially Fornals, is clearly starting to flourish. More notably, he never stopped running and worked really hard to press and pressure the Palace midfield and defence.
Doncaster Rovers
4-0: Saturday, 23rd JanuaryAs with Lanzini, Benrahma had fun and played with the confidence of a player who knew he was better than his opponents. Neat, intricate and clever football, his assist for Yarmolenko was another example of his final third passing that creates goals.
West Bromwich Albion
2-1: Tuesday, 19th JanuaryYes, he is still guilty of doing a bit too much with the ball at his feet, but there’s an ability to turn a man inside-out that this team needs. It needs someone with flair and who is a bit unpredictable because the rest can be a little too risk-averse. In a dull first half, he had a spark lacking in the rest of the team.
Burnley
1-0: Saturday, 16th JanuaryProbably harshly taken off, definitely sacrificed for a more cautious player and approach. Lively, overplayed a touch around the box early on, but a great eye for a pass and just fantastic at dribbling in difficult areas. Fits in perfectly with the endeavour in that front four that is around him and looks to have the skill to pick out their movement and encourage them to be braver with it.
Stockport County
1-0: Monday, 11th JanuaryAs with Lanzini, he did well in pockets of space early on but they were the only two players who seemed to be able to do anything at the skill level required to break down a defence. And with no movement, any inch of space he created was often just an opportunity to pass to a stationary player. Toiled in the second half and was lucky to stay on.
Everton
1-0: Friday, 1st JanuaryAn interesting one. He is capable of dribbling out of pressure in a way none of the others can, and turning out of spaces with the ball that others couldn't. It gets forgotten that he starts moves in positions that are very difficult, and he then looked up to find a static Haller, and two wide players who are bursting forward from wing back rather than higher up the pitch. He played the ball through for Antonio's late chance and looked better when the side's key player came in and changed how we attacked.
Southampton
0-0: Tuesday, 29th December(Replaced Lanzini, 59) He can turn under pressure and create space in the opposition half in a way no other player in this side can. His spark gave the impetus to this side to attack and whilst he should have scored, that overall impact on a team should not go unnoticed.
Chelsea
0-3: Monday, 21st December(Replaced Fornals, 67) Ineffective when brought on, poor on the ball (completing only 4 of 9 passes) and doesn't work as hard to protect his full back (a must in this side). Nothing since the Sheffield United game to show he needs to be starting.
Crystal Palace
1-1: Tuesday, 15th DecemberLooked to be finding some nice pockets of space in the first half, but only in flashes. Nothing really came off for him and he struggled to influence the game when moved to the left.
Leeds United
2-1: Friday, 11th DecemberStatistically, this is hard to argue, but Benrahma had the biggest influence to how West Ham kept Leeds at bay. Phillips was still influential, but his game was limited not only by the shadow of the Algerian on his tail whenever he received the ball, but also the prospect of being turned by the wily forward. His bursts of pace with the ball under control gave him space to make attacking moves tick, and his shooting from range at least offered a different threat going forward to recent weeks. A very promising first start to keep fans wanting more.
Manchester United
1-3: Saturday, 5th December(Replaced Fornals, 75) Should have been on sooner, but looked lively in his time on the pitch. Doesn't appear to lack any confidence and is fighting for the right to start, which could well be why both Fornals and Bowen have been playing so well.
Aston Villa
2-1: Saturday, 28th November(Replaced Masuaku, 45) Tried to be there in defence, only a few occasions he seemed a bit behind where he should be, but was a great outlet on the left, travelled and passed nicely, and his assist was excellent play.
Sheffield United
1-0: Sunday, 22nd NovemberDid not play.
Liverpool
1-2: Saturday, 31st October(Replaced Bowen, 88) One dinked cross that went absolutely nowhere.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.
Said Benrahma did not play for West Ham during this season.