West Ham crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton, suffering a 3-1 defeat at Saint Mary’s, Said Benrahma was start on the bench.
The Hammers missed a number of chances, made poor decision on the ball and there were defensive lapses in concentration that led to the loss.
Benrahma failed to start again but came on after 53 minutes hoping to change the game but it was a disappointing performance.
West Ham star Said Benrahma is out of form and out of confidence. Can he get back to his best?
The Algerian midfielder played in the number 10 role but lost the ball far too often versus the Saints.
If we cast our minds back to the brilliant Benrahma at the beginning of the season, we remember what he is capable of – goals, assists, skills and flair. However, all of this has dried up and his confidence seems low.
His start to life in East London was slow as David Moyes rarely trusted him from the start in matches and he was kept out the side by the inspired Jesse Lingard. This season was meant to be Benrahma’s year and it was until the last few months.
Now, he is the most substituted player at West Ham this season to his frustration, he was captured showing his displeasure to Moyes after coming off versus Newcastle. Sometimes he deserves to be subbed off but other times it has felt harsh.
Manuel Lanzini is enjoying a fine season and Nikola Vlasic deserves more of a chance, despite the lack of squad depth, in the attacking midfield area, there is options.
And West Ham need these options with the congested fixture list here full of vital games in the Premier League and Europa League.
To get Benrahma back to his best he needs to play from the left-wing. From out wide he has the ability to cut in and see the game while Aaron Cresswell can overlap to. But at number 10 he has his back to goal far too much and he can be easily out muscled by strong defensive midfielders.