Soucek’s running stats set six year Hammers high
Their stats show that the midfielder, 24, ran 13.1km — just over eight miles.
“I think his numbers were just so big. I had a feeling when we signed him that it was one of his strengths.
“We had talked about needing some legs, a bit more energy, running, covering the ground more.
“And he’s a goal threat. Against Brighton he had a couple of chances and the other night was nearly on the end of one.”
Soucek made six appearances for the Czech side in the group stages of the Champions League this season — up against Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.
The manager added: “We’re in a tough period and we’re trying to gather some positives from it.
“Hopefully one or two of the young players can have an impact.
“Tomas is young. But if we can get goals — plus the energy he has got — it’s been shown he’s bringing something to the table.”
ClaretandHugh says: In a word Soucek’s Running Man stats are simply incredible. It’s been mentioned at various times that he has the ability to make long raking runs from defensive midfield and into the opposition area and that it appears to be one of the features of his game. But nobody could surely have imagined that the guy was covering such an extraordinary amount of ground and that is precisely what the Premier League demands. Our survival is imperative if we are to keep Soucek. The loan deal dictates that unless we stay up he will be gone. And these figures show he can provide the dynamic for all the others in the team who PERHAPS haven’t been putting it in to the level required. I said soon after his first game that he looked captain material to me and now his work rate, determination and effort more than back that up