Said homework’s paying dividends
SAID BENRAHMA claims his blossoming partnership atwest Ham with Michail Antonio is free-flowing and full of spontaneity. Yet, as much as it contains off-the-cuff combinations and exchanges, Benrahma has also done plenty of homework on exactly what works best when it comes to supplying the deadly Hammers hitman.
Jamaican international Antonio has blasted six goals in eight games this season, while Benrahma has weighed in with four of his own for David Moyes’ men.
And after grabbing the last of those in Thursday’s 2-0 Europa League win over Rapid Vienna, the Algerian ace sang the praises of red-hot Antonio.
Ahead of a home showdown against his former club Brentford, Benrahma, 26, said: “The relationship with Michail is actually really natural – it’s developed naturally on the training pitch.
“But, obviously, I was studying his movements to understand him even better and now we have a good understanding. I know where he’s going to run.
“Any player in the world would love to play behind Michail because he’s a fantastic striker. I hope we continue this patch of form for the season – and our partnership lasts a long time.”
Facing Thomas Frank’s promoted, much-admired Bees is sure to mean an emotional afternoon for Benhrama.
It was at Griffin Park where he first caught the eyes of the English elite before a loan move to the London Stadium this time last year became a permanent £20million deal in the following January window.
Benrahma, who scored in a pre-season victory over Brentford, said: “We had the friendly match but the Premier League is a different challenge.
“Brentford is a club that I love a lot – they did a lot for me.
“It will be nice to play against a club that gave me so much.
“It will be a great game for me – and seeing my old team-mates again.”