David Moyes has reignited his trust in Algerian dynamo Said Benrahma following his post-match comments from West Ham’s 3-2 triumph over Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
The Irons manager has previously critiqued the Brentford loanee for failing to be efficient in front of goal – a habit which came to the fore when Benrahma missed a gilt-edged chance against Southampton.
Moyes called upon the player to exhibit an efficient, lethal attacking prowess that sinply was not being expressed – but he has now changed his tune on the 25-year-old.
The Irons boss was keen to stress a commendable attitude in Benrahma’s play which extends well beyond his ball control wizardry and nimbleness under pressure.
Speaking after the win at Selhurst Park in midweek [via Football London], Moyes left nothing to ambiguity in his praise for the Algerian, whilst confirming that his West Ham stay is likely to become a permanent one, saying:
I thought he played really well tonight and he played really well for the team tonight and it wasn’t all his tricks with the football but it was his pressing and commitment to the team which we want everybody to buy into.
Yes, he made a couple of wrong decisions with the final pass or decision but that is the thing we have been talking about that we have been a bit disappointed that we have not got from him but he is new to the Premier League and we can’t be expecting too much too soon.
I am sure once he settles down and gets used to it a little bit we will get much much more from him.
When asked whether Benrahma would remain at the club, Moyes was certain of a prolonged stay:
We will be taking Said anyway so whether we do it now or we do it later in the year, that was only to do with a slight medical issue which we had to solve so overall we will get Said done sometime if it is not down now it will get done later, there is no doubt about that.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
The Algerian looks to have fended off Moyes’ previous criticism of his style of play, and the efficiencies are coming to the fore.
Despite having yet to score for West Ham, Benrahma has supplied three assists for the Hammers in all competitions this season and seems to be growing in confidence.
Moyes simply has to put his faith in the Algerian after his post-match comments, with every indication that the playmaker is making progress.
The manager is clearly changing his tune – a sure-fire testament to how Benrahma is adapting well to his cross-capital move.
