Algeria: Saïd Benrahma, a talented flop
West Ham's Saïd Benrahma is a far cry from the Algeria version. With the Hammers, the Algeria international is a transformed player
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The Saïd Benrahma who plays for Algeria is a far cry from the one at West Ham. With the Hammers, the Algeria international is a transformed player who is not afraid to take risks. He provokes, he accelerates, he breaks the lines. His initiative is often rewarded, too, as his 5 goals and 1 assist in all competitions for his club at the start of the season show.
With the Algeria squad, however, his output is a different story. The former Brentford midfielder is struggling to show his full talent. The proof: he has just one goal in 16 caps. With such a lack of impact and consistency, it is hard for him to lay claim to a place in the starting XI in Djamel Belmadi's squad. Especially as there is no shortage of competition in his position.
Yet against Mali in a friendly (1-1), the Algeria coach had decided to start him in order to get him going again. But it must be said that Saïd Benrahma failed to seize the opportunity to shine. "Admittedly, I try to raise my level every time. There is a lot of expectation because the supporters expect a lot from us. It was my efficiency that let me down against Mali", he admitted himself. Before offering some mitigating circumstances: "Afterwards, I didn't touch many balls. And I also admit that we didn't have the understanding, given that it's not the same team I was playing with. I'm looking for a standout performance, but also to build my confidence".
Saïd Benrahma could (finally) deliver that standout performance against Sweden this Saturday 19 November, in a friendly. It is up to him to let loose and show what he is capable of.