Said Benrahma enjoyed an excellent full debut for West Ham in their 2-1 win over Leeds United last week and the Algerian has declared himself “happy” with how his loan move from Brentford has started.
West Ham’s number nine signed for the club on the EFL transfer deadline in October, a move getting rushed through at the last minute following complications with his medical which were swiftly resolved.
The Hammers signed Benrahma on a season-long loan from the Bees for a fee believed to be around £5million with a £25million obligation to complete a permanent move at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
The 25-year-old has had to be patient before his first start, making four substitute appearances totalling just 78 minutes before the shackles were released by David Moyes for the win in Yorkshire.
Benrahma was a constant nuisance for the Whites defenders, showing off his skillset and range of shooting but also dispelled some worries that he would not be the most helpful defensively.
Benrahma is in line to make his second start for the club on Wednesday when the Hammers host Crystal Palace at London Stadium, unfortunately behind closed doors once again after London was plunged into Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions just ten days after the club hosted 2000 supporters for the defeat to Manchester United.
The winger said he is “playing for the team” despite showing flashes of individual brilliance throughout his debut.
“I am so happy for my first start, I am happy we won and that I played 84 minutes,” he said to West Ham’s official website.
“Step by step, game after game and the more I play, I am getting a good feeling with the team and I am happy with the way I am adapting.
“All my teammates and coaches have helped me to settle in here at the Club, which has been good for me.
“I play for the team and to be effective, not for myself, and the purpose of this skill is to create a chance or a goal.”
Benrahma’s display at Leeds drew widespread praise, not least from Hammers centre back Angelo Ogbonna.
“On Friday he showed his quality, he's very good on the ball and he can make a difference for us,” the Italian added.
“He is a lovely guy. We've got many guys, not just him but [Manuel] Lanzini as well, Pablo Fornals, but this is the right way for him to start in the Premier League."
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