Sport
Could Said Benrahma star for West Ham this season?
After notching nine goals and four assists in just 16 Premier League appearances for West Ham in the second half of last season, Jesse Lingard likely expected to be back at the London Stadium for the start of the 2021/22 campaign. While the 28-year-old’s form was nearly enough to push him into England’s Euro 2020, most expected Manchester United to cash in with Lingard into the final year of his contract.
Lingard, however, remains at Old Trafford. Speculation linking him with West Ham has died down and David Moyes is planning for the season ahead without the 28-year-old. The Hammers haven’t pushed for the permanent signing of Lingard as hard as many anticipated they would following the player’s instant impact at the club on loan.
This might have something to do with Said Benrahma. When West Ham started their 2021/22 Premier League campaign with a 4-2 away win over Newcastle United, it was the Algerian who shone brightest with a goal and an assist. Michail Antonio and Tomas Soucek also played well, but much of West Ham’s attacking play flowed through Benrahma.
Signed from Brentford last summer, there was much excitement around Benrahma. The Algerian had been a superstar at Championship level and looked ready to take the next step in his development. Moyes, though, decided to ease Benrahma into his team – the 26-year-old still managed 30 Premier League appearances, but 16 of them were off the bench.
As an attacking midfielder capable of playing anywhere across the frontline, whether it’s on the left or right wing or as a number 10 in behind the central striker, Benrahma found himself outshone by Lingard following his arrival on loan from Manchester United in January. The dynamic has seemingly changed, though.
“I think you can see a slight change in his play and his development,” Moyes explained after the opening weekend win over Newcastle United. “It can’t always be the Said Benrahma show it has to be for the team, that is what we’re interested in. At moments we need his individual ability to beat people, score us goals and make assists and he did that today.”
While Moyes’ comments confused some, they pointed to the development Benrahma has made to become more of a team player. His decision-making has improved – he now has a greater understanding of when to take on a man and when to look for a teammate. This was evident in the way he played at St James’ Park.
West Ham might still make their move for Lingard, valued at around £25 million, before the transfer window closes. The England international would undoubtedly strengthen Moyes’ squad and give the Hammers a better chance of maintaining their place in the Premier League’s top six after a successful 2020/21 campaign.
It will, however, be no disaster for West Ham if Lingard stays put at Manchester United. Benrahma has the potential to be their creative spark and link between midfield and attack this season. The Hammers might actually be wise to channel the funds it would take to sign Lingard into another area of the squad – they need a new centre forward more than they need another attacking midfielder.
Some players take time to settle in new surroundings and Benrahma is seemingly one of them having taken a year to find his true role at West Ham after joining from Brentford. Now, though, the Algerian is ready to become the main man at the London Stadium with his showing at Newcastle just a precursor. Benrahma could make the Hammers forget all about Lingard.
You could earn up to £10 (or currency equivalent) in bonus funds by joining Colossus with our New Player Bonus. Click here to join the action.
