Saïd Benrahma is ready to help West Ham United take the game to Everton on Saturday.
“I’m feeling really confident at the moment,” he states, “I’m trying to play my own game and do what I do best.”
The Algerian's mindset ahead of the Toffees’ Premier League visit to London Stadium is clear then. He wants to attack.
It’s uplifting. Inspiring. And brave too. He knows the Hammers need to turn their league form around and is not shirking the responsibility. Instead, he wants to make a difference this weekend. And backs himself to do it.
“I want to help in the way I can,” he continues. “I feel like I’ve been trying to help the team. When I am playing, I feel at my happiest. But when you are part of the team it is important to accept the decisions of the coach; we win and lose together.
“[On the pitch] I want to play my own game, help create chances, give assists, and score goals as well.”
Over the past few weeks, he has done that. No Hammer has scored more league goals than Benrahma in 2022/23. Or created more chances. No Hammer has had more shots on target too.
And so, when the ball falls at his feet on Saturday, you can expect him to look forward. And be positive. His first thought will be to dart forward, to attack, and to nip across the London Stadium turf, despite the undoubted pressure riding on Saturday’s game.
He admits he feels 'happiest' when dribbling. And wants to play without fear. “I’m happy when I have the ball,” Benrahma adds. “I’m trying to take players on, do tricks, dribble and score goals. I want to create chances for my teammates. I think when we get rid of the brake we play much better. I think the pressure has caused that. We need that love and confidence to get back to that.”
And whether through a stepover, a flick, or a successful dribble, a bit of magic from the Algerian has seen the travelling Claret and Blue Army lean in recent weeks, captivated by his positivity in possession.
They roared the opener against Arsenal. Celebrated the winner against Brentford. And now, Benrahma has Everton in his sights.
“I would love to sing with along them,” Benrahma adds, on the fans’ support. “When they do sing, it’s great. I can’t really tell the reaction because I am so focused when I am playing. If I wasn’t focused so much, I would probably sing along with them!"
“When the fans are happy when they see me playing a lot that makes me happy of course. I hope I can give back that love and support to them. The fans have helped me enjoy my football again. I’m really thankful for the love they have given me. I want to give back to them with my performances.
“I’m having a lot of chances, which is good, but I need to have a bit more killer instinct in front of goal.”
And that will be the aim for Benrahma and company on Saturday. The Irons had chances to leave Molineux with a positive result but were unable to cancel out Daniel Podence’s winner last time out. They must now respond to that defeat to Wolves and end a run of seven Premier League matches without a victory.
“When the results pick up, I know I will feel even better,” he explains, “even more confident.
“I am enjoying the football I am playing at the moment. What has been frustrating is that the results have not followed. We are a team it is not about me as an individual. Because we are not winning games I can’t be completely happy.
“But there is still a good feeling in the squad, and I hope we can be strong on Saturday.”
