Said Benrahma seems unhappy and detached at West Ham as cynics suggest permanent move may never happen but it can and will work out

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When Said Benrahma was substituted by West Ham United boss David Moyes against Burnley it is fair to say he did not look happy.

Moyes lets guard down over striker search when asked straight question by ex forward

Having had to wait a long time to secure a starting spot, Benrahma was visibly annoyed at being substituted for Manuel Lanzini.

And it is easy to understand why.

Benrahma was playing well. He was not outstanding by any means. But he was disciplined and put in one hell of a shift for the team doing all the things people suggested he was incapable of from a defensive point of view when West Ham signed him.

Moyes has not made life easy for Benrahma since he joined West Ham.

‘I wanted Eze’

David Moyes

Claret & Hugh – and others – repeatedly claimed said Josh King was in fact Moyes’s preferred target while the owners wanted Benrahma.

The Scot denied such speculation, insisting HE chose the Algerian (Sky Sports).

But Moyes also then admitted Eberechi Eze was actually his first choice (Football London).

Moyes not making it easy for Benrahma and player looked unhappy after substitution

It came after the West Ham boss publicly told Benrahma he must work on his ball retention and decision-making to keep his place in the team (whufc.com).

The exciting playmaker has started three games in a row for West Ham.

He was excellent in the 1-0 win at Everton too.

Many have suggested he was substituted by Moyes to keep him fresh for the quick turnaround against West Brom tomorrow night.

But whatever the reason Benrahma looked disconsolate.

West Ham fans and any manager will say they don’t want players to be happy to come off.

With Benrahma’s situation, though, things are slightly different.

One of the results of the attacker’s confusing deal is that it gives rise to speculation.

Benrahma was eventually signed at the 11th hour of deadline day in the summer window on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy.

But it all hinges on a successful second medical at the end of the campaign.

Cynics fear Benrahma permanent move may never materialise

There should be no issues on that front according to the likes of reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee.

The player does not look happy, though. And not just after being substituted.

West Ham have a much publicised excellent team spirit this season. But some West Ham fans have pointed out Benrahma looks somewhat detached from that.

Moyes demands workrate from his players and defensive discipline above all else.

Perhaps Benrahma feels he can no longer express himself and enjoy his football as he did at Brentford?

There is no doubting Moyes has already clipped Benrahma’s wings in an attacking sense. That may only be until the defensive side becomes second nature. Time will tell if the West Ham boss gives his £25m signing-in-waiting more licence as the season wears on.

The current situation is preying on the fears of cynical West Ham fans, though.

And many of them feel the deal with Brentford will not be allowed to materialise.

Either by West Ham somehow worming out of the agreement or even the player himself resisting a permanent move.

If Brentford were to get promoted it could make things very interesting on that front too.

This is all opinion and suggestion, though, based on what we have seen so far. And hopefully the agreement with Brentford is cast iron and non-negotiable. But stranger things have happened in football.

There are also signs that Benrahma is quickly becoming Sebastien Haller’s replacement as a scapegoat among some West Ham fans.

Some Hammers supporters have been quick to criticise the star.

And Football Fancast even bizarrely claimed Benrahma had ‘let Moyes down’ in the win over Burnley, describing his display as ‘indifferent’.

West Brom start would say a lot about Benrahma’s future and he has all the makings of a Hammers star once he completes Moyes apprenticeship

If Benrahma starts against West Brom on Tuesday night then it is a sign that not only does Moyes trust and rate him, his substitution against Burnley was tactical.

West Ham fans are waiting for Benrahma to burst into life. But he is having to put in the hard yards first and that usually leads to better results in the long-term rather than just a flash in the pan.

Benrahma was literally dripping with sweat when he was withdrawn against Burnley.

He will never have been asked to work this hard before from a defensive standpoint, even for his national side.

But I – like many West Ham fans – have no doubts once fully adjusted to Moyes’s style and the Premier League, he can be a sensation for the Hammers.

Particularly in the second half of the season with West Ham not in the relegation picture and the shackles off.

Jenas spots brilliant new Moyes tactic which has made West Ham so hard to beat