Whether it was an act of contrition or simply wanting to remain match fit, West Ham’s suspended midfielder Tomas Soucek – full international and skipper of the Czech Republic – had no issues turning out for the under 21’s last night.
Previously only Michail Antonio and Lucas Fabianski had been seen in recent months dropping down to grab a game with the kids.
Many senior pros would think it demeaning to travel with, and turn out for, the under 21’s but – whether he chose or had his arm twisted – Soucek got his head down and made the trip to Reading for the 1-3 defeat in the Vertu Trophy knock-out cup tie.
In the middle of a red card three-game ban, Soucek will be wanting to retain fitness and hope to be ready for the Czech Republic’s fixtures during the international break.
Soucek needs to say match fit for World Cup qualifying
His national side take on first Croatia and then the Faroe Islands in their World Cup qualifying campaign starting in nine days’ time.
It is difficult to ignore the contrast between Soucek’s appearance and Ward-Prowse and Todibo’s absence but then, of course, we don’t know the circumstances. Not every player is required to drop down to the second string side just because he cannot play for the seniors. Todibo was reported ill last week and Ward Prowse is likely feeling sick – in a tail spin now – realising that his Hammers career ended with the departure of his protector – in chief Graham Potter.
Credit to the 30 year old, brownie points or just common sense, Soucek does seem ever to be the consummate team player.
Credit the big fella for being an absolute professional…. Assuming he still picked up his £90k weekly paycheck?
I just love Tomas, he is an absolute legend, but like many I can’t see a future in our midfield any more, but we do need him in both boxes, both defending and attacking corners, as he is an absolute warrior, so a reinvented Tomas as a right sided centre half would be brilliant if he could pull it off!
Soucek has good attitude and does have strengths to his game, it’s a pity that he’s so slow as that is a big drawback.
All credit to Tommy for turning out for the U21s. It’s interesting though, or worrying, that he didn’t stand out in the game in any shape or form.
Tornado Tom, I thought who’s that? Then I saw, if there’s a description of Soucek that is completely incompatible with him, it’s tornado but it made me smile.
You certainly can’t question Tomas Soucek’s attitude. He has an excellent attitude and it was just unfortunate that his determination just went a bit over the top in that attempted tackle. I know Nuno wanted the Irons to get nasty but not in a reckless way. Fortunately Tomas’s error occured before the Nuno era began. History.
About elegibility to play for the Under 21’s. How does that work then? I mean if over 30’s or anybody else is ok then it hardly seems fair to me.
Up to three over 21 outfield players plus one over 21 goalkeeper can play. It’s for that sort of reason, so seniors can keep match fit / return from injury.
Thanks for answering John. Makes sense, seeing as we don’t have reserve teams, as such, anymore.