Said Benrahma ‘can now carry West Ham’ after ‘massive’ injury blow – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Said Benrahma to “explode into form” after “massive injuries” to West Ham stars Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 26-year-old must “carry” the Hammers in the absence of the duo.
Benrahma was benched for last week’s Europa League loss against Sevilla but returned to the starting eleven to claim two assists as West Ham defeated Aston Villa 2-1 at the London Stadium yesterday (13 March).
The Algeria international has notched eight goals and six assists this term but has not scored since mid-December.
As per football.london (14 March), West Ham duo Bowen and Antonio could miss the second leg against Sevilla on Thursday.
Whelan insisted Benrahma must now “take up the mantle” in David Moyes’ side if the pair are missing.
“Yesterday showed exactly why they brought him in,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Moyes wanted him to emulate what he did for Brentford, and he did just that against Villa.
“He was busy creating in that midfield, and everything good funnelled through him. He’s got so much skill on the ball and he’s capable of scoring from anywhere.
“But we’ve only seen glimpses and moments. We haven’t seen the consistency week-in, week-out. I think now when you have those massive injuries, he’s got to see this now as a challenge and explode into form accordingly.
“He’s got to take up the mantle and be the player to really carry West Ham with the brilliance we know he has.”
Benrahma joined West Ham in 2020 on an initial loan deal which was made permanent for a reported £26million.
The midfielder netted three goals in 36 games last term.
In other news, pundit tips £95million spending spree at West Ham after latest development.