First Team Squad

Player profile and performance records.

Yossi Benayoun (Midfielder)

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Yossi Benayoun

 Beer-Sheva
Squad Number: 15
Position: Midfielder
Born: 5th May 1980 (Beer-Sheva)
Signed: 16th Jul 2005 (£2,500,000)
Contract: Details unknown
Previous Club: Racing Santander

A relative unknown outside of his home country (and Spain where he played for Santander), but the little magician has wowed crowds at the Boleyn since opting for East London over Bolton back in July 2005, much to the chagrin of Sam Allardyce.

Benayoun, at only 24, still has his best years ahead of him. Whether they will be at West Ham remains to be seen ...

 

Yossi Benayoun is yet play any matches this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Manchester City

0-0: Saturday, 3rd November

A fine game and was unlucky not to score with a superb first-time volley in the first half. There were occasions though when JOB was on the ball when I’d have liked to have seen him give the right hand side a bit more width.

Wigan Athletic

1-2: Saturday, 27th October

Seemed keen, but his passing was woeful. Ran into trouble on countless occasions and seemed positionally confused.

Southampton

4-1: Saturday, 20th October

My MOTM, he was all over the place like one of those annoying little dogs. Good work for Nolan’s goal.

Arsenal

1-3: Saturday, 6th October

Did not play.

Sunderland

1-1: Saturday, 22nd September

(Replaced Cole, 57)
Failed to create much of an impact on his home return.

Norwich City

0-0: Saturday, 15th September

(Replaced Vaz Te, 86)
Only got a few minutes but produced a nice piece of skill and looked to give us some flair and creativity, which is much needed.
Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Manchester United

1-0: Sunday, 13th May

The flow of traffic meant that opportunities to shine in his usual manner were limited. Brilliant goalline clearances saved the day in the first half.

Manchester United

1-0: Sunday, 13th May

The flow of traffic meant that opportunities to shine in his usual manner were limited. Brilliant goalline clearances saved the day in the first half.

Bolton Wanderers

3-1: Saturday, 5th May

Another who is finally beginning to attain the level of form he reached on occasions last year. Watching him and Tevez in tandem is a delight.

Bolton Wanderers

3-1: Saturday, 5th May

Another who is finally beginning to attain the level of form he reached on occasions last year. Watching him and Tevez in tandem is a delight.

Wigan Athletic

3-0: Saturday, 28th April

Where was a display like this at any other point in the season? He even came out best in 50-50s.

Wigan Athletic

3-0: Saturday, 28th April

Where was a display like this at any other point in the season? He even came out best in 50-50s.

Everton

1-0: Saturday, 21st April

More like his old self. Some nice combinations with Tevez and a fine backheel to set up Bobby’s goal.

Everton

1-0: Saturday, 21st April

More like his old self. Some nice combinations with Tevez and a fine backheel to set up Bobby’s goal.

Charlton Athletic

0-4: Saturday, 24th February

Anonymous – not quite as much as Etherington but nearly so.

Watford

0-1: Saturday, 10th February

Flashes of inspiration from the start of the second half up to the penalty miss. Did little else before or after.

Watford

0-1: Saturday, 10th February

Looked dangerous when running at people but had precious little support.

Watford

0-1: Saturday, 10th February

Looked dangerous when running at people but had precious little support.

Aston Villa

0-1: Saturday, 3rd February

Comments to follow.

Liverpool

1-2: Tuesday, 30th January

I’m sorry, but I really don’t rate Yossi much anymore. Yet again, he was hardly present. Offered nothing.

Liverpool

1-2: Tuesday, 30th January

Surprisingly poor, as he often performs well against the glamour clubs. His passing was hopeless.

Newcastle United

2-2: Saturday, 20th January

Rather quiet; disappointing considering his performance last weekend.

Newcastle United

2-2: Saturday, 20th January

A fairly quiet afternoon for Yossi.

Fulham

3-3: Saturday, 13th January

At times, this was the Yossi of old. Two good goals too, just needs to stay in the game for 90 minutes.

Fulham

3-3: Saturday, 13th January

That was his best game of the season. He oozed class - shame it's come in January.

Fulham

3-3: Saturday, 13th January

That was his best game of the season. He oozed class - shame it's come in January.

Brighton & Hove Albion

3-0: Saturday, 6th January

Flashes of inspiration by Yossi, particularly when linking up with Carlita.

Brighton & Hove Albion

3-0: Saturday, 6th January

Enjoyed and made good use of the time and space afforded to him.

Portsmouth

1-2: Tuesday, 26th December

One of his best games of the season. He looked dangerous, but there was little end product.

Fulham

0-0: Saturday, 23rd December

(Replaced Bowyer, 58) Lively but his shot when one-on-one with Niemi was at a comfortable height for the ‘keeper.

Manchester United

1-0: Sunday, 17th December

(Replaced Mullins, 70) A minor role in the build up to the goal but was pegged back to perform a defensive role for the period he was on.

Sheffield United

1-0: Saturday, 25th November

Did not play.

Sheffield United

1-0: Saturday, 25th November

Did not play.

Arsenal

1-0: Monday, 6th November

Almost opened his account for the season when he latched on to a good cross from Jon Spector. Other than that he had a busy game, working hard despite not a greal deal coming off for him.

Arsenal

1-0: Monday, 6th November

Some nice touches but was a peripheral figure for much of the game. Hilarious booking though.

Blackburn Rovers

2-1: Sunday, 29th October

His one major contribution was the cross for the opening goal. Apart from that he offered little.

Tottenham Hotspur

0-1: Sunday, 22nd October

Awful.

Tottenham Hotspur

0-1: Sunday, 22nd October

A few twists and turns here and there early on but failed to influence proceedings at all.

Portsmouth

0-2: Sunday, 15th October

Rumours of his fitness suggested he was a doubt for this match. His contribution, or lack of it, suggested that the rumours might be true.

Portsmouth

0-2: Sunday, 15th October

Didn’t even know he played. Was never in the game.

Reading

0-1: Sunday, 1st October

Found himself in some great positions, but was all to eager to pass instead of shoot. Unselfish, but not ruthless – at a time when the latter was needed. His attempt in the last minute (cleared off the line) is a great microcosm of how the Israeli an, and his side, played.

Reading

0-1: Sunday, 1st October

Desepite numerous calls for the captain to be dropped ahead of today's game Pardew once again kept faith in him. His performance was better than in recent weeks but he continues to fail to offer anything in the attacking third of the pitch - which he needs to, as the more attacking of the two central midfielders.

Manchester City

0-2: Saturday, 23rd September

Reasonable.

Manchester City

0-2: Saturday, 23rd September

He looks dangerous but flatters to deceive, thanks to little end product. We need more from him at the moment.

Manchester City

0-2: Saturday, 23rd September

He looks dangerous but flatters to deceive, thanks to little end product. We need more from him at the moment.

Newcastle United

0-2: Sunday, 17th September

(Replaced Mascherano, 67) A few good runs but failed to dominate as we know he can.

Newcastle United

0-2: Sunday, 17th September

(Replaced Mascherano, 67) We missed his creative abilities, and he also had little chance to impress when he came on. The team already looked defeated at that point.

Newcastle United

0-2: Sunday, 17th September

(Replaced Mascherano, 67) A slight fitness worry prevented the magical Israeli from starting today, and we were all the poorer for it. We miss our only creative force desperately when he's not playing.

Newcastle United

0-2: Sunday, 17th September

(Replaced Mascherano, 67) Should have started- what with him being our best player.

Palermo

0-1: Thursday, 14th September

Sadly struggled to make much of an impact for sustained periods of the game.

Palermo

0-1: Thursday, 14th September

A good run out – caused problems with some of his mazy runs.

Palermo

0-1: Thursday, 14th September

A good run out – caused problems with some of his mazy runs.

Aston Villa

1-1: Sunday, 10th September

Given more of a free role at times, which did not help the lack of width in the side. His threat was muted brilliantly by Villa.

Aston Villa

1-1: Sunday, 10th September

Lots of effort but again got drawn inside when width was needed.

Liverpool

1-2: Saturday, 26th August

Quality from the Israeli. Always a threat, and probably had a goal within him.

Liverpool

1-2: Saturday, 26th August

Lots of flair matched by no little endeavour. Worried Liverpool.

Watford

1-1: Tuesday, 22nd August

(Replaced Gabbidon, 66) Took a few minutes to get going but looked dangerous in spells.

Watford

1-1: Tuesday, 22nd August

(Replaced Gabbidon, 66) Brought on to exploit the space on the left hand side, Yossi rarely found himself with the ball at his feet during his 25 minutes on the pitch. Made a couple of good runs and was involved in one or two moves but there was little to write home about.

Watford

1-1: Tuesday, 22nd August

(Replaced Gabbidon, 66) Brought on to exploit the space on the left hand side, Yossi rarely found himself with the ball at his feet during his 25 minutes on the pitch. Made a couple of good runs and was involved in one or two moves but there was little to write home about.

Charlton Athletic

3-1: Saturday, 19th August

His drifting movement into the centre had the Charlton defence on the edge all afternoon. Cannot wait to see him back on the right playing in front of Painstil or Mears.

Charlton Athletic

3-1: Saturday, 19th August

A good match – seems to have recovered well from his various injury problems.

Charlton Athletic

3-1: Saturday, 19th August

Although stationed on the left he found plenty of opportunity to come inside - which he did. Could have scored the first goal of the season had he been a couple of inches taller.

Liverpool

3-3: Saturday, 13th May

No further comments.

Liverpool

3-3: Saturday, 13th May

A quite simply stunning performance and one that deserved to be rewarded with a winners medal.

Tottenham Hotspur

2-1: Sunday, 7th May

Best outing in ages. Linked up well with Konch and the goal was a work of art.

Liverpool

1-2: Wednesday, 26th April

Dangerous throughout but his first touch in the first half was poor.

Middlesbrough

1-0: Sunday, 23rd April

Came into the game a lot more in the second half after a patchy opening 45.

Middlesbrough

1-0: Sunday, 23rd April

Came into the game a lot more in the second half after a patchy opening 45.

Manchester City

1-0: Saturday, 15th April

Another not at his best – had one decent effort in the first half but much of the game passed him by, especially in the second half.

Manchester City

1-0: Saturday, 15th April

Much better Yossi, dangerous throughout.

Manchester City

1-0: Saturday, 15th April

Much better Yossi, dangerous throughout.

Chelsea

1-4: Sunday, 9th April

Failed to make much of an impression apart from the corner that led to the goal.

Chelsea

1-4: Sunday, 9th April

Not involved at all, and questions may be asked over the decision to take the rest of the squad away without him and fellow Israeli Yaniv Katan.

Charlton Athletic

0-0: Sunday, 2nd April

Flitted in and out of the match – some good touches but I wish the free header at the end had gone to someone else.

Manchester United

0-1: Wednesday, 29th March

Comments to follow.

Wigan Athletic

2-1: Saturday, 25th March

Comments to follow.

Manchester City

2-1: Monday, 20th March

Probably did more work in his own half than actually hurting the opposition but that was what was required on a night that was always going to require a great deal of defensive work. The delivery for Ashton's second goal was sublime.

Portsmouth

2-4: Saturday, 18th March

(Replaced Clarke, 45) Comments to follow.

Bolton Wanderers

2-1: Wednesday, 15th March

Good in stages, came good in the latter part of the game. Never easy against the likes of Bolton.

Bolton Wanderers

2-1: Wednesday, 15th March

Out of the game for long periods (as he often has been in our meetings with Bolton this season) - but on hand to deliver a vital cross when it mattered.

Bolton Wanderers

1-4: Saturday, 11th March

(Replaced Newton, 45) Involved in Sheringham’s goal and also got one himself but was a little off pace (again, it was from an Etherington run and cross). Provided a few touches of class. What I’d like to see is Yossi playing the role that Stelios plays so effectively for Bolton. Yossi is not a right-winger. We should play with genuine wingers and Yossi playing as a floating midfielder, providing an extra man down the flanks and causing trouble in the middle. He’s an intelligent player with the right skills and needs a more effective role than being a right winger who cuts in all the time.

Everton

2-2: Saturday, 4th March

Another who had a poor afternoon. Failed to make any sort of impression at all.

Everton

2-2: Saturday, 4th March

Seemed upset to come off, but was not in the game.

Bolton Wanderers

0-0: Saturday, 18th February

Not at the races at all in a game in which one might think he would be desperate to impress.

Birmingham City

3-0: Monday, 13th February

One of those players for whom a buzz of expectation arises every time he gets the ball. Scares decent opponents with his running. Petrifies poor ones. Like Birmingham.

Birmingham City

3-0: Monday, 13th February

Although he is not quite as proficient on the flank as when tucked in behind the strikers, the little Israeli caused Birmingham plenty of problems.

Sunderland

2-0: Saturday, 4th February

Occasional glimpses of flair but we required more of his creativity to break down the ten men.

Sunderland

2-0: Saturday, 4th February

Occasional glimpses of flair but we required more of his creativity to break down the ten men.

Arsenal

3-2: Wednesday, 1st February

Under pressure we were not treated to the usual sight of Yossi going forward in full flow. Didn’t neglect his defensive duties though and weighed in with a vital clearance off the line.

Blackburn Rovers

4-2: Saturday, 28th January

Some good touches from the freshly-shorn Israeli, whose ball into Zamora for the second goal was the very personification of intelligence. Worked hard off the ball as well.

Blackburn Rovers

4-2: Saturday, 28th January

Some good touches from the freshly-shorn Israeli, whose ball into Zamora for the second goal was the very personification of intelligence. Worked hard off the ball as well.

Fulham

2-1: Monday, 23rd January

There were times in the first half when he threatened to take Fulham apart single handed. Not as dominant in the second period.

Aston Villa

2-1: Saturday, 14th January

(Replaced Newton, 71) Came on at a time when we had just started to sit back a bit so we saw him working hard defensively rather than his usual free-flowing style.

Aston Villa

2-1: Saturday, 14th January

(Replaced Newton, 71) Comments to follow.

Chelsea

1-3: Monday, 2nd January

Comments to follow.

Charlton Athletic

0-2: Saturday, 31st December

(Replaced Dailly, 61) Comments to follow.

Newcastle United

2-4: Saturday, 17th December

Was looking quite tricky until the thigh tightened up. Should have had a penalty.

Everton

2-1: Wednesday, 14th December

Comments to follow.

Blackburn Rovers

2-3: Saturday, 10th December

Comments to follow.

Birmingham City

2-1: Monday, 5th December

Comments to follow.

Manchester United

1-2: Sunday, 27th November

One of the few who really had a go at Manyoo's back four. Could have claimed his place in the Hammers hall of fame had an audacious 20-yard lob dipped under the bar rather than over.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-1: Sunday, 20th November

Failed to stamp his authority on the match though he did get in a couple of shots. Made things difficult for Repka by losing his man too much in the first half though he tightened things up in the second half.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-1: Sunday, 20th November

Failed to stamp his authority on the match though he did get in a couple of shots. Made things difficult for Repka by losing his man too much in the first half though he tightened things up in the second half.

West Bromwich Albion

1-0: Saturday, 5th November

Not as dominant as he can be he still played some nice touches and caused a few problems.

West Bromwich Albion

1-0: Saturday, 5th November

Not as dominant as he can be he still played some nice touches and caused a few problems.

Liverpool

0-2: Monday, 31st October

His worst game since arriving at the club in the summer. Rarely got into the game, although rumours of a midweek injury may have been the reason why he was quiet.

Liverpool

0-2: Monday, 31st October

His worst game since arriving at the club in the summer. Rarely got into the game, although rumours of a midweek injury may have been the reason why he was quiet.

Middlesbrough

2-1: Sunday, 23rd October

During the first half he seemed to be the instigator of everything good we did. Maybe slightly less influential in the second half but still the main provider of those moments that we referred to in the pre-match discussions as “worth the entrance money”.

Middlesbrough

2-1: Sunday, 23rd October

The best player on the pitch. Excellent passing and movement - the only complaint being that he should have grabbed a goal.

Manchester City

1-2: Sunday, 16th October

On a day when the midfield were found wanting Yossi was probably just about the pick of a poor bunch. Unlucky with the volley that went wide and the ball through to Zamora for the goal was a beaut.

Manchester City

1-2: Sunday, 16th October

Yossi worked hard as always but failed to deliver the killer ball until the 90th minute when a sublime reverse pass found Zamora who netted with aplomb. Missed a couple of good opportunities in the first half to notch his third of the season.

Sunderland

1-1: Saturday, 1st October

Tried and tried without ever really dominating the opposition. Superb finish for the goal though.

Sunderland

1-1: Saturday, 1st October

Stepped up to the plate when we needed it and have him to thank for the point. Also making a mockery of those who said he would not be able to hack the physical side of the game and seems to enjoy getting stuck in as much as the next man.

Sunderland

1-1: Saturday, 1st October

The pick of a poor bunch today, and how priceless his 70th minute goal could prove come the end of the season. Until the goal he had been fairly anonymous although always willing to run at his opponents. His ball-winning tackle on the left flank in the 86th minute epitomised what the Hammers are all about this season though. Man of the Match by default really.

Arsenal

0-0: Saturday, 24th September

One or two wonderful cameos drew applause from the home crowd, whilst the long throws into the box almost proved decisive. Lost the ball a little too easily on occasions and could do with a touch of the Joe Cole steak diet.

Arsenal

0-0: Saturday, 24th September

After his fifth-minute run against Ashley Cole, you had the feeling it could really be his day. Unfortunately I don’t feel Yossi saw enough of the ball. However, on another day, he might have dispatched the one or two half chances that came his way. I, for one, would have no problem with a ‘give it to Yossi’ philosophy in our home games. This man has skill to burn and has the makings of real Upton Park star.

Arsenal

0-0: Saturday, 24th September

At the risk of repeating myself, for one so skilful he puts in an amazing amount of work when we haven’t got the ball. Another referee – i.e. one not as corrupt as Dean- would have given the penalty his efforts deserved.

Arsenal

0-0: Saturday, 24th September

One or two wonderful cameos drew applause from the home crowd, whilst the long throws into the box almost proved decisive. Lost the ball a little too easily on occasions and could do with a touch of the Joe Cole steak diet.

Fulham

2-1: Saturday, 17th September

Some nice touches but not as influential as of late.

Fulham

2-1: Saturday, 17th September

Played a good role as a link up man and supported the attacks well. Always looks to do something special, and definitely the sort of player West Ham have been crying out for since that last great showman left East London for Rome.

Aston Villa

4-0: Monday, 12th September

Having praised Mullins for his work-rate one then has to consider this chap. Quite apart from his undoubted skills, which were a constant threat, I lost count of the number of times he tracked back to win the ball back. The marvellous goal capped off a fine performance. If the editor will permit I’ll name him as joint MOTM.

Bolton Wanderers

1-2: Saturday, 27th August

As he comes to terms with the pace of the Premiership he is becoming more and more influential. Bolton’s tactics should have brought home to him that he chose the right club to join.

Bolton Wanderers

1-2: Saturday, 27th August

As he comes to terms with the pace of the Premiership he is becoming more and more influential. Bolton’s tactics should have brought home to him that he chose the right club to join.

Newcastle United

0-0: Saturday, 20th August

Though he’s in the side for the flair that he brings to proceedings, this match showed that he’s not afraid to do his share of the donkey work when necessary. So much so that AP didn’t feel it necessary to bolster the midfield with the less subtle presence of Dailly until quite late on.

Newcastle United

0-0: Saturday, 20th August

Worked very hard on the flank and could have nicked a winner in the first half had Sheringham's through ball had a little bit less on it. Beginning to find his feet in the hustle and bustle of the Premiership.

Blackburn Rovers

3-1: Saturday, 13th August

Drifted in and out a bit and got bundled over a few times in the early rough and tumble. However despite his slight frame he was always keen to get stuck in to win the ball back and he played a vital part in the first and third goals. There’s potential there if someone could take him down to Nathans for some large helpings of pie & mash.

Blackburn Rovers

3-1: Saturday, 13th August

Drifted in and out a bit and got bundled over a few times in the early rough and tumble. However despite his slight frame he was always keen to get stuck in to win the ball back and he played a vital part in the first and third goals. There’s potential there if someone could take him down to Nathans for some large helpings of pie & mash.

Blackburn Rovers

3-1: Saturday, 13th August

Drifted in and out a bit and got bundled over a few times in the early rough and tumble. However despite his slight frame he was always keen to get stuck in to win the ball back and he played a vital part in the first and third goals. There’s potential there if someone could take him down to Nathans for some large helpings of pie & mash.
Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

Yossi Benayoun did not play for West Ham during this season.

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