Sofiane Feghouli settling at West Ham after 'radical change' of Premier League
Thursday 23 March 2017 11:48, UK
Sofiane Feghouli says he is gradually settling in at West Ham despite facing a "radical change" in football style when he first arrived in the Premier League.
The Algerian international moved to the London Stadium in the summer after six years in La Liga with Valencia but suffered a hamstring injury in August that sidelined him for six weeks.
On his return he found it difficult to break into Slaven Bilic's side and admits he struggled to adapt to a more direct style of play in the Premier League, but is happy with scoring twice after starting eight league games in a row between January and March.
"It's been a radical change in footballing terms," Feghouli told the club's website. "In Spain, the game is more about possession, technique and strategy, whereas football here is more direct.
"It's a big change, but as I said, I'm happy with my statistics so far two goals and three assists in not many games. I'm gradually settling in."
The 27-year-old started on the bench in West Ham's 3-2 defeat to Leicester last weekend but is happy to be involved again and says he is a "competitor" who always wants to play.
"I'm happy to be playing," he added. "I couldn't wait to get back on the pitch, after spending quite a while out of the team. I'm very pleased to be playing again regularly.
"I haven't changed anything in particular. I just work hard in training and the coach decided to give me a chance which I had to grab with both hands.
"I've racked up two goals and three assists since I got into the team. I'm happy about that, particularly with the goals at home in front of our fans which is always a great feeling.
"The most important thing, however, is to help the team win games which is what I enjoy the most because I'm a competitor and I want to play."
West Ham are 12th in the Premier League and visit Hull City on April 1 after the international break.
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