It has been said many times but since Tomas Soucek emerged as the player we knew him to be a couple of seasons back it is worth repeating.
The Czech Republic international claimed to a London Evening Standard reporter that he didn’t feel motivated last season.
And there can be little doubt that the Declan Rice factor and Soucek’s regular change of roles may have had something to do with that.
Much has been made of the terrific form of the new arrivals but it is fair to claim that Soucek has looked like a new arrival this term such has been his return to form
The manager, not unfairly, wanted to see Declan getting forward far more last season but since his days even prior to arriving at the Hammers that has always been the strength of the No 28’s game.
He scored 31 goals in 114 appearances in the Czech League and in his first season at the Irons he managed three from 19 games before notching 10 in 20/21.
But as his role was changed last season and the one before he managed just seven. So far this term he has managed two in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup Cup clashes and really does look like a player on his way back
His contribution to the way we play is a shambles. A couple of goals should under no circumstances hide this. He is too slow in his movement. He cannot close opponents down making our cbs look poor. He continuously gives away the ball. He slows down our counter attacks. Against Chelsea gave away pen, sold like a 6 year old for their goal etc etc..i see no value in what he brings to the table. Honest but we have 14-15 better players in this squad biw that are deserviing to play ahead of him.
Soucek has been set free by Rice’s transfer. More goals will follow I’m sure.
You’re entitled to your opinions, John.
You’ve hated Tomas Soucek for a long time now. Your criticisms of him are incredibly wide of the mark.
Please tell me how Soucek has earned 60 caps (to date) for the Czech Republic and become captain along the way?