Chelsea target Said Benrahma played in the play-off final last night as Fulham earned promotion back to the Premier League after winning 2-1 at Wembley Stadium.
Benrahama will still be on the radar for Chelsea despite being on the losing side. The Algerian has had a magnificent season, his impact helped Brentford to a play-off final.
The winger played 46 games last season. Scoring 17 and assisting 10. Where would he fit in at Stamford Bridge? Chelsea are set to lose two wingers this summer with Willian outbound and Pedro already on the way out.
Style of Play
Playing predominantly on the left-wing, his ability to cut in off his left-foot had worked wonders on many occasions last season. It isn't just his prolific right-foot that has set him apart this season. His skill and agility makes him unplayable at times.
Stepovers, dropping the shoulder and sincere acceleration put him in the bracket of one of the best players in the Championship last season. The next step up is a move to the Premier League where he is touted to end up.
Chelsea, Leeds United, Aston Villa and Arsenal are just some of the clubs that are linked with the wizardry winger. He would certainly improve Frank Lampard’s side if he made the switch to the Bridge.
Across the Channel
Benrahma moved to Brentford in 2018 after several loan spells at Angers, Gazelec Ajaccio and Chateauroux. He finally got a permanent move to London after leaving Nice.
In 2016/17, he gained a bit of momentum for the first time in league football after making 15 appearances in Ligue 2. Ajaccio managed to get three goals and three assists out of the winger.
Double figures were hit for the first time in the following season. The Algerian scored 10 goals and five assists for Chateauroux in 33 outings. He played 15 games on the right wing, scoring six and assisting four. It was clear that playing wide was where he was most effective.
Flourishing Under Frank
The move to England was successful in his debut campaign. He scored 11 and assisted 17 in 45 games. Brentford finished 11 in his first season, there was much potential in the young side who were playing attractive football under Thomas Frank.
And for the most recent season, which concluded last night in the play-off final. It was Benrahma’s best on a personal level. A combined 17 goals and 10 assists put him amongst the best in the Championship.
Brentford scored the most goals in the league with 84, the winger had a say in 27 of them. It is unclear on what the future may hold for Benrahma, would he improve Chelsea? The only question mark is can he make the step into the Premier League?