West Ham United forward Said Benrahma is an ‘enigma’ capable of pulling off ‘a little moment of magic’, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Benrahma has shown glimpses of his true ability throughout his two-and-a-half-year stint at the London Stadium but has also been left frustrated at his lack of regular starts and opportunities to complete a full 90 minutes.

What is the latest news involving Benrahma?

In his maiden campaign for West Ham, the Algeria international only featured from the off on 14 occasions in the Premier League, yet he still managed to rack up seven goal contributions from his 30 appearances.

Last term, Benrahma was then awarded 26 starts in the league but was still substituted more often than not; a theme that has continued this term.

West Ham manager David Moyes defended his decision to withdraw Benrahma against Crystal Palace recently despite the technician opening the scoring.

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“I think if you are watching the game from there, I actually think we got better (after Benrahma was withdrawn),” said the Scottish tactician. “I thought our football was better and we controlled a bit more of the game.

“I thought we looked more likely to score at that period of the game as well. You wouldn’t see it; Said was badly strapped up on his knee and was touch and go for the game.”

What has Brown said about Benrahma?

When asked what the next step for the player is in an interview with GiveMeSport, Brown said: “Benrahma is an enigma and probably always has been really.

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“He's capable of scoring spectacular goals, he's capable of changing the game with a little moment of magic, but he does drift in and out of games.

“I'm told he's actually one of the fittest people at the club, so it's not that he's someone who can't get about the pitch and press and do his part.”

How good is Benrahma?

Benrahma has registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 102 appearances across all competitions for West Ham, and his underlying numbers further illustrate his importance to the side.

As per WhoScored, the technically gifted ace has averaged 2.2 shots, 1.2 key passes, and two dribbles per top-flight fixture this term, placing him in the top four for each metric when compared to his teammates.

Moyes may favour the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Pablo Fornals at this moment in time, but if Benrahma keeps up this form, then he can’t be left on the sidelines much longer.