Tomas Soucek was at it again in the Premier League victory against Crystal Palace.
Last week, I wrote a blog with the title “Nine Lives Soucek is Here to Stay,” and the Czech midfielder has gone some way to proving that with another incredible performance today.
Just when you begin to think that Soucek’s time might be up at West Ham, he pops up with a crucial goal or a performance that makes him undroppable. Make no mistake about it, the big fella has been the Hammers’ biggest goal threat over the past two games.
Like many others, I had written his obituaries upon hearing that David Moyes was about to leave the club. However, it is a testament to Big Sou’s resilience and ability that he has already endeared himself to new head coach Julen Lopetegui.
Soucek is the type of individual who would have succeeded in whatever he turned his hand to. His work ethic and dedication mean he would have thrived as a boxer, marathon runner, builder, or pretty much anything else. I, for one, am done doubting him.
In many respects, this is the third incarnation of Tomas Soucek, or Big Sou 3.0, to speak in modern terms. The first version of him was a goal-scoring, box-to-box midfielder, which quickly turned into an auxiliary defensive player to accommodate Declan Rice’s expanding game. What we are now witnessing is a battering ram menace Soucek, who is being sent out to terrorise defenders.
It may not be pretty, but it is pretty effective, as one goal and one assist in his last two games testify. The big No. 28 gave notice of his intentions early on in the game against Crystal Palace when he made a phoenix-like leap to meet a corner, which should have resulted in a goal for Michail Antonio.
Perhaps I’m being too gushing and effusive about a player who can often be described as Marmite, but I can’t help but marvel at his determination, resilience, and adaptability, which have placed him on course to become a West Ham legend.
Colour me unconvinced Gonzo. With Alvarez, Rodriguez, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen and soon to be Soler, let alone Summerville, I find it hard to think of Soucek and JWP as more than useful squad players, unless someone is definitely leaving. Will be interesting to see how Loppy keeps everyone motivated, especially without Europe.
Totally agree. As I wrote earlier today on another thread, I sincerely hope we keep hold of Soucek, he can still do a job for us. I’m hoping Lopetegui is building a genuine squad where players can be interchanged match by match thus keeping everyone happy and match fit (pretty much everything dinosaur Dave didn’t do).
Really?
Please tell us what he brings to the table.
Too slow to be up to the situations in tidstap PL – a few excamples;
very slow in transitions, both ways – no ball winning, no «through balls», no aggressive pressing – basicly jogging around.
Have a look at the videoes of the last 10 PL games he has played (especially the first halves).
I’ll have a look at all the goals he scores, if that’s what you’re asking.
wrong about ball winning. often dispossesses on the edge of the box. if you can’t see what he offers it’s probably because you are ignoring it, since it doesn’t fit with your opinion
He is very good at the things that he does well and very poor at the things he does not do well, he is not a rounded player.
If a coach can find a way of utilising the things he does well without allowing the things he doesn’t do well to cause issues then he’s a success.
Lopetegui is using him in an offensive way where he causes chaos in the opponents box, witness last weeks penalty, and where he has a knack of arriving in the box at just the right time to score witness todays goal. He’s basically resulted in us scoring a goal two weeks running which can’t be sneezed at even if other aspects of his game are poor. Lopetegui is getting something out of him that has been very valuable in the last two games.
Majority of teams have same problem it’s called rotation.
Something we didn’t have the luxury of last year.
Some teams are better off than others ask Chelsea with a squad of 40.
Perhaps he could turn his hand to playing right or left back as that’s where there’s a shortage.
If he’s staying, can’t get shot of Zoom(a) or Ings due to wages, looks like Aguerd or KWP are for the chop.
Got no money but still being continually linked to 3-4 players JLo wants.
Souceks role was never as a holding mid. That was Dec’s job (and he did it superbly) providing a pivot in front of the back four. During this time, Soucek was allowed to advance and position himself in and, around the box, scoring poacher goals along the way, as we played on the counter.
However, Dec’s was eventually moved into a more attacking midfield position and that exposed Soucek’s vulnerability as a defensive mid.
I truly believe that he is a fantastic player- if used correctly.
COYI!
Passing success at 60%. You want to keep him in place of either Alvarez or Rodriguez? Or perhaps Paqueta? Unlikely, IMO.
With all due respect- As long as a player is scoring goals I am not concerned with his passing rate.
I don’t think anyone can doubt his determination and resilience.
What can come under scrutiny is his decision making and passing.
Maybe under Lopetegui this will be addressed and he will make many of us eat our words!
Agreed 👍🏼
Nothing wrong with admiring Soucek. He puts in a big effort every game. But to describe him as ‘un-droppable’ is a crazy exaggeration. He doesn’t start in our best 11.
I like Marmite. I like Soucek. Not everyone’s type, but admire his work ethic and team play. Also, when was the last time he missed a season through injury?
Another reason why we don’t need to go wasting money on Soler. Soucek is playing great, Alvarez is back, and we have a 30m midfielder in JWP on the bench. Why in God’s name are we dicking around with a backup from PSG in a position we don’t need help in?
Totally agree Gonzo. Ive always liked Souchek. If people watch the games back without their anti Souchek glasses on and I think they’ll find he does more than they give him credit for. As I’ve said before he might not be as technically gifted as some of the others but he often sets up others like Bowen with key key passes and hes constantly involved in goal scoring opportunities. He doesn’t look as good on the eye as some others, doesn’t dribble like some of the others but does much more off the ball. Never stops running and grafting for the team. Creates goal scoring opportunities and has the happy knack of anticipation and getting on the end of things. Lopetegui would have studied games and knows his value that’s for sure. And I bet his team mates do to. Our most underrated and under appreciated player I think
Don’t forget football aside he was the first person to see that ballboy was in trouble after he scored wasn’t just thinking of himself well done tomas
Ho come Soucek’s Mum doesn’t even know how to spell Soucek? 😂
… and I can’t spell How!
Undroppable? Soucek?
I’ll take a cheeky 50p on him not being in the starting 11 next week.
probably not, since it’s City. we’ll need to set up a little differently perhaps. that’s what having a versatile squad is all about.
Tomas Soucek is a hero to the young Palace ballboy now.