When it comes to Said Benrahma, West Ham United have been here before. Just when it seems like this most mercurial of footballers has turned a corner – just when it seems like the penny has dropped – he reverts to type. Decisiveness gives way to dithering. Excitement turns to exasperation.
Benrahma produced one of his finest performances for the Hammers during the recent 2-1 UEFA Conference League victory over Anderlecht; marking a fine display with an eye-catching free-kick. Then came another goal, from the penalty spot, against Bournemouth on Monday; a fitting reward for Benrahma’s endeavour and determination.
But, at his post-match press conference, David Moyes said what every West Ham supporter was thinking. Yes, the odd Man of the Match display every few weeks is nice. But if Benrahma wants to really make a success of his time at the London Stadium, performances like those against Anderlecht and Bournemouth must become more frequent than fleeting.
“He’s so important for us. We need him. He’s a dribbler, you don’t get many dribblers any more,” Moyes tells Football London. “But his form has been in and out. We’re trying to get a little bit more consistency from him.”
Can Said Benrahma reach another level at West Ham United?
Team-mate Jarrod Bowen labelled Benrahma’s performance against The Cherries ‘brilliant’. But would anyone really be surprised if, after putting in an 8/10 on Monday night, he reverts back to a 5/10 at Old Trafford this weekend? That’s been the story of Benrahma’s Hammers career thus far. From feast to famine.
And with Atenção Vascaínos reporting that West Ham are now working on a deal to bring another right-footed left-winger to the capital – Vasco da Gama wonderkid Eguinaldo – this should be the encouragement Benrahma needs to kick on this time and start adding some consistency to his skill and guile. Keep performing, or risk being replaced by a younger model.
Rob Newman, West Ham’s head of recruitment, recently jetted out to Brazil for talks with Vasco da Gama. The similarities between Eguinaldo and Benrahma, meanwhile, are clear to see. The silky 18-year-old loves to pick up possession on the left before cutting inside; using his quick feet and snake-like hips to wriggle his way through the tightest of gaps. Eguinaldo, who has a £26 million release clause, has already scored three goals since forcing his way into the Vasco XI.
And the success of Richarlison and Gabriel Martinelli is proof that, while Eguinaldo is still just a teenager, the step up from Brazilian football to England’s top flight is not too steep for players with the maturity and the confidence to back up their talent.
Eguinaldo is unlikely to be thrown straight in at the deep end should he end up at West Ham. But if Benrahma needs a reminder about the importance of consistency, it could arrive alongside one of Brazil’s hottest young talents.
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