WHZ View: Learn from Chelsea – Moyes must start duo who can expose Leeds
West Ham supporters have not seen a lot of Said Benrahma this season but we think the time has come for David Moyes to start the Algerian against Leeds United on Friday night.
Not only does the former Brentford man need to be given more game time, but he must also start alongside fellow winger Jarrod Bowen if the Hammers want to exploit one of Leeds’ biggest weaknesses.
West Ham website Claret & Hugh had claimed that Benrahma could be deployed as a central striker on Friday, but we think there is an argument for him to be played in a more natural wide position.
Weakness on the wings for Leeds
Moyes must learn from the success that Chelsea enjoyed against the Whites during their 3-1 win last Saturday.
As per WhoScored, 43% of Chelsea’s attacks came down their left-wing, where both Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell enjoyed great success up against Luke Ayling.
It was a clear tactic deployed by Frank Lampard’s side and both of Leeds’ two full-backs struggled. Ayling and Ezgjan Alioski were among the Whites’ worst performers on the night, both recording 6.1 WhoScored match ratings. Only Stuart Dallas (5.9) ranked lower.
As per Wyscout, both full-backs lost the ball seven times in their own half against Chelsea, as they faced a barrage of pressure from either wing.
This could play perfectly into West Ham’s hands, as the Hammers can mirror Chelsea’s approach through both Benrahma and Bowen but also overlapping wingbacks in the form of Arthur Masuaku and Vladimir Coufal.
In other West Ham news, McAvennie claims consistency key to Balbuena form at West Ham