David Moyes told the Evening Standard how he has been joking with Said Benrahma recently, telling the Algerian that he didn’t realise he had signed a hard-working midfielder.
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The 25-year-old ended up joining he Hammers on a permanent £25 million deal last month, having spent the previous three months at the London Stadium on a £4 million loan deal (Eurosport).
Benrahma was eased into life at West Ham slowly by Moyes.
The Algeria international has now established himself as a vital member of the Scot’s side, however.
He is still waiting for his first goal, but it’s only a matter of time before that comes. Benrahma has four assists to his name in 15 games for the Hammers thus far.
The Algerian has proven that he is prepared to put in the hard yards as well.
And David Moyes praised the talented winger for that particular aspect of his game, when speaking to the Evening Standard:
“It’s something I’m continually talking to him about. I’ve had a bit of a laugh with him because I’m saying to him ‘I didn’t realise I’d signed a really hard-working midfield player who runs and closes down and does all the defensive duties’ as well he does do. I said ‘I thought we got someone for assists and goal making and all those things’. They’re the bits which I think he’s probably needed to improve on. The other part of his game has been excellent. It really has been and that for me has been really important. I want team players here. I don’t want individuals.”
Moyes is right. Benrahma is expected to score goals. That will undoubtedly come, however. He just needs to be patient.
At the moment, the 25-year-old is playing such an important role for West Ham with or without the goals.
Let’s hope he keeps it up between now and the end if the season. If he does, the Hammers will have every chance of finishing inside the top six come May.
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