Alan Irvine – not David Moyes – has been absolutely vital to the development of Said Benrahma at West Ham United this season.
That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that Benrahma has received huge support from Irvine, who is a key part of Moyes’ staff.
Irvine was assistant boss before stepping back to a technical advisor role this season.
When Irvine was assistant, he is understood to have held one-to-one sessions with winger Benrahma.
Irvine and Benrahma are believed to have worked on how to break into the West Ham team, using former Everton players as examples.
That may sound strange, but Moyes and Irvine worked with a host of Championship players looking to make the step up to the Premier League.
Leighton Baines, Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka and Tim Cahill all fit that bill, with Benrahma told to emulate their successes.
West Ham now seeing the best of Benrahma
In just nine Premier League games this season, Benrahma already has three goals and two assists.
Only three players have created more chances for West Ham this season. Benrahma also has the second-most shots on target.
Off the ball, Benrahma has impressed too. Only Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek have made more tackles for West Ham this season.
Only Rice and Jarrod Bowen have more successful dribbles too, with Benrahma featuring prominently across various statistics.
The 26-year-old still has developing to do, but it looks like West Ham have a star, with Irvine playing a key role in his development.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
