West Ham ace Said Benrahma put in an incredible performance in the 2-0 win versus Bournemouth.
The at times inconsistent Algerian scored a penalty and was a constant threat with his trickery and creativity throughout as well as working hard off the ball.
His man of the match showing drew praise from two of his teammates – Jarrod Bowen and Ben Johnson.
Said Benrahma earned plaudits from two West Ham teammates after his sensational display against Bournemouth.
West Ham star Bowen said after the game: “Said scored a brilliant penalty. He buried it, and I thought he was brilliant tonight.
“That’s the quality Said has got, I see it every day in training, the one vs one ability, creating things for others and getting shots away. We saw it tonight, he was a real bright spark and to get his goal as well, I’m so happy for him.”
Johnson also congratulated Benrahma on his performance saying: “He was magic. Hopefully, he can continue his form and get more goals. He has always been a goal threat, but it is just making that more consistent.
West Ham manager David Moyes praised him too but highlighted that he must be more consistent, but he admitted that he is a fan of Benrahma and that he offers something other don’t in the team with his dribbling skills.
Benrahma was the shining light in a game that was not a classic but the result was all that mattered as West Ham climbed to 10th in the table.
It’s not the first time he has shown his class this season. Benrahma was superb in the incredibly unlucky loss to Nottingham Forest, he nearly earned West Ham a point against Everton off the bench and he scored a great free-kick in a win versus Anderlecht in the Conference League.
With Pablo Fornals out of form there is a chance for the 27-year-old to nail down a starting XI place on the left-wing in Moyes’ team.
Lucas Paqueta will hopefully be back from injury soon and the thought of the Brazilian combining with Benrahma is exciting and two players of that quality should be able to unlock almost any defence.
Benrahma is not just good on the ball, he is improving off it just as Moyes demands. One club source tweeted: “In pre-season, the players were put through a series of interval and endurance tests to build their fitness. Said finished first, repeatedly. He’s not just a baller, he’s fit and strong and works hard for the team. Let’s hope he can kick on from last night!”