WHZ View: Said Benrahma is the key to West Ham unlocking Burnley
It is fair to say that Said Benrahma hasn’t enjoyed the best of starts to his West Ham career – but he has shown signs of his talent.
David Moyes has been inconsistent in his selection of the on-loan Brentford player and that has hardly helped him settle in.
Despite that, Benrahma has a chance to prove his importance to both Moyes and the West Ham faithful in the match against Burnley.
Although Sean Dyche’s side have struggled this season with 16 points from as many league games, they have often proved stubborn to break down – six clean sheets evidence that.
A tricky and creative figure like Benrahma could be key, therefore, and he has already shown signs of invention at the London Stadium.
Take these snapshots against Aston Villa below, for example.
Firstly, the winger showed great awareness seconds after being brought on, taking up a place on the left-flank in acres of space.
Benrahma could have attacked his full-back at that point, but instead he cleverly waited for his teammates’ support, but rather than picking out an easier option at the back-post a clever touch gave him the time he needed to curl a ball in.
Bowen headed home from the resulting cross and West Ham won the game, and such a deft delivery will be needed to out-wit a Burnley defence that pride themselves on their clearances.
Ben Mee and James Tarkowski have both averaged 4.7 clearances per game according to WhoScored, and have won 3.1 and 4.1 aerial duels, respectively.
The Irons must avoid playing into their hands, and Benrahma’s trickery on the ball will come into play here.
Against Stockport on Monday he was able to wriggle in between opponents before striking the post, and the 25-year-old can expect similar pressure on Saturday.
The above example, as well as a return of three dribbles per game last season, show Benrahma is capable of taking on opponents.
That displays a level of confidence in his play, and against Burnley he will be able to mix up his game to bring his teammates into play when necessary.
The image below, where he chose not to shoot, evidences exactly that.
In an important win against Fulham Benrahma teed up the winner when he could have just as easily gone for goal himself.
It is awareness like that which will be vital to breaking down the Clarets backline, and as long as he gets on the ball he should come up with the goods at the weekend.
In other West Ham news, the club has reportedly held talks with a European club over signing a striker.