Saïd Benrahma is hoping to end the 2021/22 season the way he began it for West Ham United, starting with a decisive performance on his return to Brentford on Sunday.
The Hammers’ Algerian magician kicked-off the current campaign with four goals and two assists in his first eight appearances, earning rave reviews for his performances in Claret and Blue, before catching the eye again with both goals in the UEFA Europa League Group H tie at Belgian side KRC Genk in early November.
Now, with the Irons aiming for a top-six Premier League finish for a second straight season and still in the hunt to win the Europa League following Thursday’s 1-1 quarter-final first-leg draw with Olympique Lyonnais at London Stadium, the No22 wants to play a central role in helping his team finish the season strongly.
And his next opportunity to do so will come against familiar opponents in Brentford, the club he represented 94 times between 2018-20, scoring 30 goals and assisting 27 more before making the switch to London Stadium in October 2020.
Benrahma scored on his one previous appearance at the Brentford Community Stadium in a pre-season match in July last year, and he would love nothing more than to hit the net again this weekend.
With everything going on at the Club these days, just how exciting a time is it to be a West Ham United player?
“Of course, we try as much as possible to achieve our objectives. We're happy to be competing for the top four and fighting for Europa League. We'd love to win as many games as possible and gain a Champions League place. We take it match-by-match and try to do our best.”
Do you look at what the teams around you in the Premier League table are doing?
“Of course, as we're in a race with them. It's kind of good that they're having some missteps and making some mistakes, so we’re trying to do our best in every single game. We're looking at them but also at ourselves to try and do as best as we possibly can.”
How much are you looking forward to going back to Brentford on Sunday?
“I'm always excited to go back to Brentford in view of what I did there. I will never forget the team I was playing with and the fans and it's always a pleasure to go back there and play against them. I have only good memories from Brentford.”
Of course, Brentford beat you in the reverse fixture at London Stadium back in September, so are you looking to avenge that defeat?
“There's not really a spirit of revenge, as we go out to win each match. That's the only objective it's nothing personal. It's just to win.”
Brentford will be coming into the game off the back off a win at Chelsea and with a full week to prepare, so how tough are you expecting Sunday’s game to be?
“So, they may have had a bit more rest than us, but we have the rhythm. We're playing games every three days. It's really become a habit now.”
How do you assess your own form at present?
“I started very well but there will always be dynamic spikes to the season. There was a little dip but it's not the end of the world. I'm really happy to be playing and trying my best.”
When things do dip, how do you keep yourself going? How do you keep positivity and momentum up?
“We always are trying our best to win and to be the decisive. Football is not always easy and you can have ups and downs. I felt I was on a good path to success for this season and my form is quite good and I’m hoping for the best.”
You started the season in great form, with goals and assists, so are you hoping both start to flow again in the closing weeks of the season?
“Right now, I’m feeling really good, I'm feeling free, in a way freer than I was before. I'm confident at the end of the season is going to be good. And again, it's just about getting the maximum of yourself and working hard.”
