West Ham United winger Said Benrahma admits he needs rhythm to play at his best after scoring his first Premier League goal of the season against Bournemouth on Monday.
The Algerian netted from the penalty spot in second half stoppage time of West Ham ’s 2-0 victory against the Cherries at the London Stadium after substitute Vladimir Coufal saw his cross blocked by the hand of Jordan Zemura.
Benrahma took the penalty and sent goalkeeper Mark Travers the wrong to score his first league goal of the season. The former Brentford man was making his first league start since August 31 and played the duration of a league game for the first time since having a goal ruled out at Nottingham Forest on the second weekend of the season.
READ MORE: What Kurt Zouma did at Chelsea that David Moyes wants to see at West Ham after Bournemouth goal
Having played just 503 minutes in the league this season and starting only four Premier League matches, Benrahma admits it has been tough being out of the side, suggesting to be at his best, he requires rhythm and a regular run of games ahead of Sunday's trip to Manchester United.
“[To be] Back in the starting eleven, it was good.” Benrahma told West Ham's club website. "I’ve been waiting for this, I’ve worked hard to get back into the starting line-up and it paid off. I played the full 90 minutes, got on the score sheet, my legs felt good; it’s really great for my confidence.
"I’m happy because it’s not easy. I had to find my confidence, but I worked hard and was able to respond on the pitch. That’s it, [I need rhthym]. I try to do my best with my time on the pitch, to give the best performance I can, to try and be in the starting XI as much as possible.
"Every minute counts for me. I always try to give my all every minute I play, every time I come on as a sub. I hope to be part of the starting XI because it feels great to play.”
Benrahma has also praised teammate Kurt Zouma, whose header opened the scoring in controversial circumstances on Monday night, with Thilo Kehrer handling the ball in the build-up. The Algerian has said that Zouma has helped him in recent times and has thanked the former Chelsea defender for his support.
“Kurt is my brother. He’s a guy who, every day, pushes me,” added Benrahma. "He scored so I’m extremely pleased for him. He’s my brother, he’s someone I love very much. He really is my brother! He encourages me, he gives me strength. He’s always telling me what I’m capable of.
“I’ve thanked him many times for his daily support, so Kurt is a brother who gives me a lot of love. He encourages me just by talking, he boosts my morale. I’ve gone through some difficult moments but thankfully he’s always been there.”
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