West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo faces a headache selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s Championship game with West Bromwich Albion, and it’s largely thanks to the goalscoring exploits of Tomáš Souček.
The Czech midfielder has scored three times this season, all from the substitutes’ bench, including his late goal against Southampton. With West Ham’s recognised strikers struggling to find the net and Konstantinos Mavropanos now facing a spell on the sidelines, there is an increasingly compelling argument for giving Souček a starting place.
Indeed, some Irons fans have even suggested deploying him as a striker, which isn’t entirely unreasonable given his remarkable ability to find space in the penalty area. However, whilst I understand the temptation, I think Nuno would be making a mistake by changing Souček’s role. In fact, I’d argue his three goals are precisely why he should remain on the bench.
Soucek bagged a brace in the Hammers record away win against Lincoln
Why Souček Is More Valuable As A Substitute
Much will depend on whether Nuno decides to play two central midfielders or three. However, as things stand, I would have Divine Mukasa, Arne Engels and Mohamadou Kanté ahead of Souček for a starting place, provided they are fit.
That is no slight on Souček. Having somebody capable of coming on and scoring is a significant weapon, and I wouldn’t be in a hurry to change something that is working.
There is also a significant difference between attacking the penalty area from midfield and being stationed there as a striker, with a centre-back keeping tabs on you.
I’ve always believed Souček is at his best arriving late in the box, timing his runs and finding space that defenders haven’t accounted for. Playing him as an out-and-out striker could actually take away some of what makes him so effective.
West Ham are also painfully slow as a football team. For all Souček’s qualities, I’m not convinced that bringing him into the starting midfield improves that particular problem.
Against tiring opponents, however, his movement and ability to find space could be even more valuable.
Mavropanos Injury Complicates Nuno’s Decision
The one argument that might tempt Nuno to start Souček is the injury to Konstantinos Mavropanos.
The Greek defender has been a major threat from set pieces this season, and losing him means West Ham could be without an important attacking weapon as well as a key defender.
With Mavropanos currently our second-highest goalscorer, there is an obvious temptation to compensate by introducing Souček from the start.
However, I would resist that.
As we’ve discussed on Claret & Hugh, West Ham’s injury concerns and the resulting selection decisions ahead of West Brom have already given Nuno plenty to think about.
I don’t believe Souček’s goals should force another change to the starting eleven.
Three goals from the bench is an excellent contribution, and having that option available could prove crucial against West Brom.
Sometimes the best player for a particular job isn’t necessarily the one who starts the match.
Plus the fact that Soucek is a giant hole in a central midfield that needs more defensive solidity, not less.