By Simon Leyland
What are we going to do about Tomas?
For the last few seasons, he epitomised all the reasons why we bought him – a great work ethic, tireless, fearless and part of a great partnership with Declan Rice.
He has appeared not to have been the same player since Paqueta has arrived. Perhaps it is the fact that the Brazilian has playing in a more deeper role, with Soucek pushed forward out of his favoured position?
Remember his galloping runs into the penalty box to get on the end of crosses? Well, that seems to be a distant memory now.
Despite his lack of form, he still appears to figure in our supremo`s plans having made 37 starts this term.
I really hope he gets his mojo back before the end of the season because he is/can be a potential match winner on his day.
I would not offer him any new contract..
I actually felt sorry for him on Sunday, it’s clear he has no confidence and seems to trundle around at a very slow pace having little impact on the game. No technique and struggles with 3 yard passes. It’s clear he’s good defensively from set plays but what does he actually bring other than that? Simply has to be dropped for Fornals / move Benhrama in the middle and put Cornet/Antonio on the left
Soucek is playing under tactical instructions given him, amongst other team members, by Moyes, and its unfair to measure his recent performances against his first year. Perhaps when Moyes goes in summer, a more dynamic manager will re-charge the entire team to a level where they can all perform to a trophy winning level.