West Ham centre-back Angelo Ogbonna has heaped praise on team-mate Said Benrahma for his creative prowess, a trait which was exemplified against Leeds on Friday.
Ogbonna backed the Algerian to improve the team and make a real impact on overall performances, with the winger having already notched two assists in just five appearances during his embryonic spell with the east Londoners.
Benrahma was handed his full Irons debut by David Moyes against Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United and excelled as he utilised the space behind Sebastien Haller. The 25-year-old, on loan from Championship side Brentford, was unlucky not to find his way onto the scoresheet after a number of well-struck efforts were parried superbly by Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Benrahma has looked increasingly comfortable making the step up from the Championship and already looks to be a key outlet for David Moyes’ side.
Ogbonna, who scored a late winner against Leeds on Friday, was keen to praise the role of Benrahma. As quoted by the Evening Standard, he said:
On Friday he showed his quality, he’s very good on the ball and he can make a difference for us.
He is a lovely guy. We’ve got many guys, not just him but [Manuel] Lanzini as well, Pablo Fornals, but this is the right way from him to start in the Premier League.
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As Ogbonna rightly highlights, competition is strong for places down the left channel or indeed as the team’s creative axis. Benrahma’s ball control and offensive acumen adds a level of unpredictability to Moyes’ side and the Algerian can play a pivotal role in renewed success for West Ham.
It feels as though his first goal for the club is due. The Hammers’ next game sees them host Crystal Palace, who were heavily linked with the winger in the summer before the Irons won the race for his signature.
