Michail Antonio has contradicted manager David Moyes with comments on West Ham United teammate Said Benrahma.
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Benrahma has been dipped in and out of the West Ham side by Moyes since signing from Brentford.
The Scot has taken a taskmaster approach towards Benrahma, demanding more from him in almost every area.
Hot and cold Benrahma being made to earn his West Ham stripes
The Algerian put in his best performance for West Ham in the 2-1 win over Burnley last Monday night.
That earned him another start against Everton but he failed to shine and missed a golden chance to equalise as his search for a first goal stretches to 28 Premier League appearances.
Before and after the Everton game Moyes once again called for Benrahma to improve both in matches and in training.
Writing his column for the Evening Standard ahead of the defeat to the Toffees, Moyes said he expects more in training.
Moyes questions Benrahma consistency and training
“I am looking for more consistency from him, though, in his level of training and in the step up to the Premier League.
“He demonstrated in the Championship with Brentford what he is capable of achieving and he will be able to do it in the Premier League. Some players, however, take a little time to adjust.”
Then after the match, Moyes reiterated those words (Football London).
But West Ham star Antonio has contradicted Moyes by claiming Benrahma is in fact the best player in training.
Antonio contradicts Moyes over Benrahma
So much so he awarded Benrahma the title of best trainer in an interview with Sky Sports.
“There’s not many to be fair, nobody is really a good trainer!”Antonio told Sky Sports when asked to name the teammate who impresses most at Rush Green.
“I’m only joking.
“I’d say Said Benrahma. Like in training he is quality.”
Clearly what Moyes wants to see from players in training and what Antonio is seeing are two different things.
But Moyes’s opinion is the one that matters most. And the Hammers boss will be hoping Benrahma can start to perform on a more consistent basis when he gets the chance.