David Moyes hints that one of West Ham’s star players this season could lose his place for the Euro final

With a host of international players it was easy to see why.

But West Ham have struggled during what has been a disappointing Premier League campaign.

It’s the final countdown

And when Moyes has given back-up players a chance they have not done enough to put pressure on the regular starting XI.

But one player has been doing that of late and it could be very bad news indeed for Said Benrahma.

Because Moyes has hinted that one of West Ham’s star players this season could lose his place for the Euro final.

While Leicester fought desperately to beat the Hammers 2-1 in the last game of the league season on Sunday, West Ham’s minds were very much fixed on the final.

Pablo Fornals pulled a goal back to continue his recent good form, which included that goal at AZ Alkmaar.

It was Benrahma who Fornals replaced in Holland when he scored that now famous goal.

David Moyes hints that one of West Ham’s star players this season could lose his place for the Euro final

And Moyes has been suitably impressed by the Spaniard’s attitude and performances recently.

So much so he has singled out Fornals and effectively warned Benrahma his place is under threat for the final.

Moyes’ first choice XI virtually picks itself with everyone fit. But it is a toss up between Benrahma and Fornals on the left side.

Tomas Soucek will be needed for his aerial prowess against Fiorentina, who are good from set pieces.

And Fornals won’t start ahead of Declan Rice, Lucas Paqueta or Jarrod Bowen.

So when the Scot told West Ham’s website after the game at Leicester that Fornals could have played his way into the starting XI for the final, it is clear who he would replace.

Moyes comments are bad news for Benrahma

“Pablo manipulates the ball and finds a way of getting a goal quite often,” Moyes said.

“He’s been a bit unlucky for long parts of the season but he’s playing well. He played really well at Alkmaar, he played really well against Leeds United and I thought he played well today.

“He’s certainly putting himself in the frame to get a start because of how well he’s doing and he’s scoring goals, which is the thing we need.”

It is fair to say the relationship between Benrahma and Moyes ever since his arrival at West Ham has been complicated.

Benrahma divides opinion among some West Ham fans. But he has actually been one of West Ham’s best players this season.

The Hammers boss is constantly urging Benrahma to do more, score more, assist more and work harder.

For a long spell Benrahma was often the first player Moyes would substitute. And even when Benrahma has a brilliant game Moyes somehow finds a way to publicly criticise – as he did after the recent victory over AZ Alkmaar.

Now it seems the playmaker’s place in the side is on the line for West Ham’s biggest game in years.

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