In Brentford’s last-ever season at Griffin Park, the Bees are in prime position to mount a charge for the automatic promotion places. The man arguably spearheading that charge is Algerian left-winger Said Benrahma. The 24-year-old currently has nine goals and five assists to his name, including a recent hat-trick away at Hull City.
Such is his quality he has been widely tipped for a move to the Premier League. Recent reports have linked Benrahma to Leicester City and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. Being linked to teams challenging for the Champions League is a hallmark of his supreme technical quality, which I shall explore later.
In this tactical analysis, in the form of a scout report, we will look at Benrahma’s strengths and play-style and do an analysis to see why he is such an integral part of Brentford’s tactics.
Overview and style of play
Brentford signed Benrahma in the summer of 2018, for a reported fee of £1.53m from Ligue 1 club OGC Nice. There had previously been loan moves to French clubs: Angers, Ajaccio and Châteauroux.
Thomas Frank plays a 4-3-3 in his Brentford team. Here, Benrahma plays as the left-winger, albeit with the license to move centrally between the lines. To understand Benrahma it is important to understand the dynamics of Brentford’s tactics as a whole. Frank opts for a progressive style of play with a focus on keeping the ball on the ground and playing through the lines. This style suits Benrahma very much and helps maximise his strengths, as I will now analyse.
Ball-carrying ability
For a winger dynamism is an important trait; you need the ability to do the unexpected and commit defenders, thus opening up space for teammates. Moreover, having a low centre of gravity can help it enhances agility and gets them off the mark quicker. These factors are applicable to Benrahma. Statistically speaking the Algerian’s effective dribbling qualities are showcased by him completing 3.6 dribbles per 90, at a 59% success rate.
In this example above, against Cardiff, we see an end product as well as a regular Benrahma movement. He receives the ball off Mathias Jensen and proceeds to pull off a dazzling spin to go past Cardiff midfielder Marlon Pack. The ex-Nice man then has the intelligence to play in Bryan Mbeumo, who finishes competently, which is shown below.
Another benefit of Benrahma’s dribbling qualities is breaking the press or counter-press. His balance and flair can see him bypass the pressing opposition and see large volumes of space open up to then be exploited by that fearsome trident of forwards Brentford have. In the example below Barnsley have attempted to suffocate the Bees on the far side of the pitch. However, Benrahma puts the ball through Toby Sibbick’s legs and escapes the intense pressure the Tykes have put on. Furthermore, when centre-back Aapo Halme steps out to attempt to cut the attack off, also seen below, Benrahma demonstrates awareness and strength to dribble past him as well.
