It is so welcome after the week we’ve all had, with stories of rifts, splits, ‘shortlists’ for replacement coaches and ex-players and pundits lining up to stick the knife in, to be able to focus a little more on the positive. West Ham came back from a goal down away at Brentford, by accident Lopetegui might have discovered a new back four, and one player went public with a very honest expression of commitment to his coach, the club and its supporters.
Hard work and seemingly endless enthusiasm isn’t always enough. But in Tomas Soucek’s case it has seen him rise from Slavia Prague’s Academy where, as a ten year old he was far from being ‘the best’, being one of those making up the numbers. 150-plus appearances for Slava Prague and he still had his critics: David Moyes wasn’t one of them and brought his new ‘Marouane Fellaini’ to East London.
34 goals in over 200 appearances for West Ham later, Soucek admits exactly how he feels about the club in an interview with The Athletic.:
“When the fans sang my song, I know I have a great connection,” Soucek said. “In the last few weeks, in my country, the media said the West Ham fans did not like me. I don’t think that could actually be further from the truth. I love this club, it means so much to me.”
Tornado Tom is proving something of a saviour, bailing out his new coach this season in the same way he popped up for Moyes in his first season scoring important goals.
Important Goals – Tomas Soucek
If Lopetegui can appreciate his assets and not deploy him as Moyes did later as a defensive midfielder to indulge Declan Rice’s more adventurous attack-minded ego at the time, then there are more goals to come from the Czech International captain.
As a number 10, or late arrival into the box, putting his foot or famously his head in to the firing line to grab a contact, be it stunning volley or ‘shinning’ one over the line- who cares. He’s a massive asset, working hard and even coming in to train on his days off. Got to love him.
Agreed Martin, you cannot question Soucek’s commitment. He’s a warrior! And at the moment he is our top top goal scorer this season.
Definitely cannot question his attitude, especially in a moment where some more gifted players are not performing to their levels. 🤞as time goes by the manager gets the best out of all of em
He’s not our best player, and he may struggle to get in many peoples preferred team.
BUT he is 100% claret & blue and he does keep giving his all and scoring for us.
So well done Soucek, keep going lad, you have our full backing💪
Soucek’s attitude is exemplary. He’s not the most technically gifted player in our squad, but he may well be the most committed. At the start of the season, I was guilty of doubting his ability to be effective in Lopetegui’s system. He has proved me wrong. I’m certain he will continue to put it all on the line for us and keep popping up to score crucial goals.
We need the players to work hard and play as a team. Want to see us close down , defend and attack together. Need that fight back , we have great players but step up and play together . Can’t all be down to j-lo . Good to see Soucek declare his love for the club , great stuff . Come on lads sort it .COYI
Love Souchek. You know what you get with him. 100% effort. Real die for the cause stuff and how often does he pop up with the equaliser or the winning goal. One of our most valuable players.