David Moyes believes Said Benrahma returned from international duty looking sharp this summer and wants the winger to have a better season at West Ham, via football.london.
Benrahma moved to the London Stadium as a late window addition last year, but failed to replicate his Brentford exploits. The Hammers paid £5m to sign the Algerian on an initial loan, which they turned permanent for £20m in January.
The 26-year-old scored 17 goals and offered 10 assists in his final season at Brentford in the Championship. However, he scored just once and offered six assists in 30 Premier League appearances, starting 14, after moving to east London and opening his account in May.
Moyes accepts some players need more time to adapt to the demands of playing in the Premier League than others, and feels Benrahma may be one. But the nine-cap maestro has pleased his head coach since returning for pre-season in good shape for round two.
“He missed a little bit of pre-season because he had games with Algeria,” Moyes said. “But he came back and has looked sharp and in good condition.
“Not everybody hits the ground running in the Premier League and maybe he has [had] a little bit of time to look at his game. Scoring and playing well in pre-season is great, but now the big games start.”
Benrahma delivered in flashes, now he needs consistency at West Ham
Benrahma delivered in flashes during his debut season at West Ham, but must now show he can perform consistently. Moyes often placed the Algerian on the bench last season as he was unable to always produce in back-to-back games.
On his day, Benrahma can be West Ham’s most creative option and he can scare opponents with his direct runs. The playmaker’s defence-splitting passes also carve space open for the Irons to exploit. But he will have to rediscover his end product regularly to keep his place.
Moyes will be increasingly desperate for Benrahma to hit lofty heights at West Ham without Jesse Lingard next season. The England international took over and flourished while on loan from Manchester United, but has returned to Old Trafford.
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