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David Moyes: Said Benrahma ‘a much better player’ for West Ham these days after Genk brilliance

 (BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
(BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

David Moyes has hailed Said Benrahma after his brace all but secured their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

The Algerian scored a superb double at Genk which looked to have booked their place in the next round of the competition before Tomas Soucek’s late own goal meant they had to wait a little longer.

Benrahma struggled to make an impact at West Ham during his first season last term following a £30million move from Brentford and Moyes has been a fierce critic of his.

The 26-year-old has found his feet this term and has already passed his tally of goals and assists from last season (eight).

His first goal in Belgium capped a fine team move which saw him start the play in the centre circle and finish it just inside the box before an inspired individual goal had the Hammers ahead.

"I thought Benrahma played well tonight," said Moyes.

"He did a lot of good things which in recent games I’ve not been so sure of. Tonight I thought he played well. Getting a couple of goals for us will help him.

"The first goal was a great worked goal and the second was a great individual goal so good on him.

"Tonight he really pleased me because I thought he released the ball at the right moment more often.

"The individual actions he took I thought more of them came off so we’re making sure that Benrahma is well aware of what the standards are and what we expect of him. He needs it as well, he needs a bit of confidence. He was a much better team player tonight and I was really pleased with how he played."

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