West Ham United, who are presently sitting just three points behind the fourth-place Reds in the Premier League standings, bounced back from consecutive losses to Manchester City and Liverpool with a commanding 2-0 victory against struggling Sheffield United.
Even though there is still a long way to go before the race for European qualification really gets under way, it has been a promising start nonetheless, especially considering that the Hammers had just four points (nine fewer) at this point last year.
While things are going quite well for the Europa Conference League champions, Moyes may decide to change things up this week and replace star midfielder Lucas Paqueta with another player.
What kind of season is Lucas Paqueta having?
Despite Manchester City’s intense pursuit of Paqueta in the summer, his planned £80 million transfer fell through due to an ongoing betting investigation. However, any worries that the failed deal would have affected Paqueta’s form have been quickly allayed.
Declan Rice, a former teammate, praised the Brazilian maestro for his “mind-boggling” talent. He has started all seven games this season and has one goal and one assist in the top division, but he struggled a bit in the most recent victory over the Blades.
Malik Ouzia of the Evening Standard gave him a 6/10 rating in the post-game ratings and noted: “A couple of wasteful flicks early in the game that might have been punished by better opposition.” One of his most subdued performances. Lately dragged barely wide.
The dynamo has played on the left in four of the last five league games, and even though he is doing a commendable job, according to Sofascore, making 1.3 key passes, 3.3 tackles, and 9.1 ball recoveries per game, it might be wise to drop him to the bench ahead of the upcoming Europa League match against German team Freiburg given that a difficult trip to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United is looming on Sunday.
Said Benrahma has to be released down that left channel because he hasn’t been able to consistently land a starting position this season.
Should Said Benrahma now be let go by West Ham?
Benrahma, who has been dubbed “unplayable” by pundit Joe Cole, is more than a little bit of a tricky client at his best and dazzles with his quick-witted brilliance and technical prowess.
The 28-year-old, who cost £20 million to acquire from Brentford in 2021, has produced an amazing total of 43 direct contributions in 141 appearances for West Ham.
For shots taken, progressive carries, and progressive passes received per 90, the Algerian ranks in the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, demonstrating a talent.
The magician, who earns £55k a week, also contributed five assists and scored 12 goals in all competitions last season. His direct threat could help relieve some of the pressure on Jarrod Bowen, who has been directly responsible for six of the Irons’ 13 Premier League goals this year.
After appearing as a substitute in two of his last three league games and sitting on the bench in the other, Moyes must now unleash his dynamo.
