The Athletic’s West Ham United correspondent Roshane Thomas has called for David Moyes to “unleash” Algerian winger Said Benrahma.
During the summer transfer window, the Hammers sealed the arrival of the attacker on a season-long loan from Brentford with an obligation to purchase him (per BBC).
The 25-year-old attacker arrived after a season in which he bagged 17 goals and 10 assists in 46 Championship appearances, including the Bees’ play-off matches (per Transfermarkt).
However, since moving to the London Stadium, the Algerian has only made four substitute appearances for David Moyes’ side in the Premier League and not started a game (per WhoScored).
In the latest episode of The Athletic’s U Irons podcast, Thomas discussed Benrahma and called for Moyes to “unleash” the attacker.
He said: “In many ways, I feel like, obviously it’s not good to lose, but I feel like this [Manchester United] defeat will have Moyes thinking, ‘Maybe I should change it.’
“If West Ham had won, Moyes would have been like, ‘Yep, same team again for Leeds,’ whereas now, he’s probably more open to thinking, ‘Okay, let me bring in new personnel here,’ or, ‘Let me freshen things up in this position and see how we do.’
“I’d rather Benrahma [was starting over Pablo Fornals]. It’s time to unleash Benrahma now. Everyone can see what he’s capable of.”
TIF Thoughts on what Roshane Thomas said about Said Benrahma…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, he believes that Moyes should be starting the Algerian attacker for the Hammers now, over Fornals.
Who should start in West Ham's next game?
Fornals
Benrahma
In the Premier League this season, Benrahma has made just four substitute appearances for the Hammers, whereas Fornals has started 11 games (per WhoScored).
Despite Benrahma playing far less, the two players have provided the same number of assists as both have set up two goals for teammates, although Fornals has also scored twice.
In his appearances, Benrahma has averaged 0.8 key passes per match, which shows he is slightly more creative than his Spanish counterpart as Fornals has made 0.6.
So, it would seem that Moyes has been favouring a player who is marginally less creative and, therefore, it may be a good move to see what Benrahma can do when given a run in the side.