Mbeumo Praises Benrahma’s Genius From Their Brentford Days
In an interview on the Zack en roue libre podcast, mbeumo looked back on his time at Brentford and paid tribute to Saïd Benrahma, calling the Algerian winger a singular creative force during their spell together at the club.
Mbeumo Recalls “A Genius on the Left”
mbeumo described Benrahma as a standout talent on Brentford’s left flank, saying he was “too strong” and that anyone who watched the matches would know how much he could change a game. He highlighted Benrahma’s dribbling, passing and ability to drive at opponents, noting that the winger routinely produced goals and assists during that period. The comments were made during the podcast appearance, where mbeumo spoke with admiration about his former team-mate’s freedom and improvisation on the ball.
Stat Line: 2019-20 Season and Partnership Numbers
The two players were key figures in a productive Brentford attack. Benrahma’s 2019-2020 campaign included 17 goals and 9 assists in 46 appearances, and together with mbeumo they combined for 33 goals and 16 assists across 45 matches played alongside one another. Despite those numbers, the pair did not secure promotion that season, with the team falling short in the play-offs.
Diverging Careers After Brentford
mbeumo noted that their career paths split after their time with the Bees. Benrahma moved to West Ham United in the summer of 2020 and later joined a club in Saudi Arabia. By contrast, mbeumo has gone on to become a prominent figure for his national side and a starter at his current club. The interview also touched on Benrahma’s difficulties establishing himself at international level for Algeria; coaching staff had tried to integrate him and even gave him an opportunity on the left wing, but he did not manage to secure a lasting place in the squad after certain setbacks. The national team coach will hold a press conference next Wednesday, and the list of selected players is expected to be released in four days.
Across the conversation, mbeumo returned repeatedly to the same point: Benrahma’s technical audacity and creativity at Brentford left a lasting impression. While both players have followed different trajectories since, mbeumo’s remarks underline how influential that season remains for teammates and supporters who watched them combine on the pitch.
