By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Tomáš Souček has been omitted from Santi Denia’s first Czechia squad — but describing it as an international snub would not be telling the full tale.
The West Ham midfielder has not played a competitive minute this season after suffering ankle ligament damage at the World Cup. Although Souček has returned to training, Denia could hardly select him for four Nations League fixtures without any evidence that he is ready for a match.
However, his absence from West Ham’s squad against Millwall created a strange blessing and curse for Nuno Espírito Santo. Protecting Souček was almost certainly the right decision, but West Ham then spent 45 minutes playing exactly the sort of game which made me wish he was there.
Soucek will be fighting fit and ready to play for West Ham
The Millwall paradox
Leaving Souček out of the derby effectively removed any remaining possibility of Czechia calling him up. That was the blessing, because West Ham now have three weeks to complete his rehabilitation without international travel or four demanding fixtures interfering with the process.
The curse was watching the first half against Millwall and thinking it was precisely the sort of match in which Souček might have thrived.
West Ham lacked fight, physicality and leadership during a dismal opening 45 minutes at The Den. Souček may not be the most technically gifted midfielder at the club, but nobody could question his appetite for a battle he’d have got stuck in alright.
Before the derby, Claret & Hugh considered whether Souček might make the bench. In hindsight, protecting him was probably the sensible medical decision — but West Ham could certainly have used him.
Souček can be a major promotion asset
I fully expect Souček to become an important part of West Ham’s promotion campaign once he is fit. Will he walk directly back into the starting XI? I’m not convinced.
If Nuno uses a 4-4-2 formation, it will be difficult to break up the increasingly established midfield partnership between Arne Engels and Divine Mukasa. The two have developed contrasting but complementary roles, with Engels doing much of the unselfish stuff which has been a hallmark of Big Sou.
Nuno will not use 4-4-2 in every match, though. If West Ham play with three central midfielders, a trio of Souček, Engels and Mukasa could offer an excellent combination of energy, creativity, physicality and goals.
Like Soucek, Engels covers an insane amount of ground in football matches
West Ham are adding another aerial weapon
Souček’s goalscoring ability should not be underestimated. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer who should be extremely dangerous at Championship level.
His general passing technique has never been his greatest strength, but something changes when he enters the penalty area. Souček suddenly discovers outstanding shooting technique, while his movement, anticipation and ability in the air are reflected in his excellent West Ham goal tally.
That becomes particularly mouthwatering when combined with West Ham’s set-piece threat. Jarrod Bowen and Engels can both deliver dangerous inswinging corners from opposite sides, while Max Kilman, Morato and Konstantinos Mavropanos already give Championship defenders enough aerial problems.
With Engels’ delivery becoming an increasingly important West Ham weapon, adding Souček to that bombardment could make the Hammers extremely difficult to defend against.
No Czechia snub for former captain
The Czech squad announcement confirmed Souček was unavailable because of injury. Czech news agency ČTK also reported that the former captain has been considering his international future.
That follows a difficult period during which Souček lost the captain’s armband after a dispute involving the players and Czech supporters. He was also benched during the World Cup, so it is understandable if some of the joy of representing his country has been soured.
Nevertheless, I would be surprised if Souček retired from international football. He has always appeared incredibly dedicated to both West Ham and Czechia; commitment seems woven into his DNA.
For now, remaining at Rush Green is best for everybody connected with West Ham. Souček has time to regain full fitness, Nuno can decide how to use him and Czechia can reconsider his position once he is playing regularly again.
His absence at Millwall may have helped secure that uninterrupted recovery period — but the first half at The Den demonstrated exactly why West Ham will be pleased to have him back.