David Moyes is facing growing fan pressure to give unfancied star Said Benrahma the start he has earned against the Saints.
When West Ham signed Benrahma the excitement among Hammers fans was palpable.
Two years on, fleeting glimpses of supreme quality are counteracted by an equal dose of frustration – not just among supporters but the player and his manager too.
Benrahma divides opinion among Hammers fans. And Moyes has made it clear the Algerian playmaker is his third choice to play out on the left when he started Maxwel Cornet against Wolves and replaced him with Pablo Fornals when he went off injured.
Rather than sulk Benrahma really looked to have the bit between his teeth when given a rare chance to start in Europe against Anderlecht on Thursday night.
While Flynn Downes was once again man of the match, Benrahma was not far behind and scored a lovely free-kick to put West Ham ahead in a 2-1 victory.
Not only that but Benrahma worked his socks off for the team too, harrying defenders and constantly looking to get on the ball and make something happen.
Moyes has always taken a hard line, taskmaster approach to managing Benrahma. And the pair had a touchline row when Benrahma was seen asking ‘why always me?’ following his substitution against Newcastle last season.
The Scot has been criticised by some fans and journalists for his handling of the 27-year-old.
With Cornet injured it looks set to be a straight pick between Fornals and Benrahma for a starting spot at Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.
David Moyes under pressure to give unfancied ace Said Benrahma start he’s earned against Saints
And now Moyes is under pressure to give unfancied ace Benrahma the start he’s earned against Saints.
Despite his strong showings in Europe, most fans believe Moyes will stick with Fornals – who has also been struggling to find his best form.
A look at social media and West Ham forums shows even Benrahma’s biggest critics are calling for Moyes to give him a run of games.
For once Moyes actually had words of praise for Benrahma after the Anderlecht win.
“I thought Said done a lot of good things tonight, he obviously scored a free-kick,” Moyes said (Football.London).
“He had moments when we needed him to pick people out and he got people away, pick people out in the box to get them a goal. He picked out Fornals in the second half when he could’ve made it 3-0, that was good. There was a lot of good things from Said tonight.”
Whether Moyes’ praise translates into Benrahma getting the start against Saints that many feel he deserves remains to be seen.
MORE WEST HAM NEWS
West Ham star wants to get Moyes singing new chant about him.
‘He’s Dracula’ Dawson lifts lid on his unlikely bromance with West Ham star.
Surprise new contract on cards for Lanzini after Moyes comments.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
