By Dave Langton

Now is the time for Tomas Soucek to show up.

The Czech Republic international has somewhat struggled this season in a role that just isn’t exactly suited to him.

Throughout the start of the season, he was playing primarily as a defensive-minded midfielder, and was struggling to actually get forward and impact the game.

In recent weeks, though, he has improved this weekend he is set to face one of his biggest tests as the Hammers prepare to take on Manchester City.

City are going for the league title, of course, and will be out to keep Liverpool off of their tail.

But the Hammers have their own ambitions; beating City would mean that a win on the final day, against Brighton, would secure a sixth-placed finish and qualification to the Europa League.

As it stands, a seventh-placed finish means qualification for the Europa Conference League.

If the Irons are to overcome City, they have to find a way to nullify their immense midfield talents, including Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Rodri.

For that to happen, Soucek needs to be at his very best, dominating the centre of the pitch, and finding a way to get forward and potentially put the ball in the back of the net.

If he plays at the same level as he did at the start of the season, we’re going to struggle.