Tomas Soucek played a pivotal role in West Ham’s recent triumph over Manchester United, scoring his ninth Premier League goal of the season. This winner was one of the greats, as it was the Hammers’ first victory on their last nine visits to Old Trafford, a historic moment for the Irons. It proved Soucek’s opening goal was enough for them to hold onto their lead and eventually win. It further underscored a tremendous week for him, as he’s been the dynamo under the current administration.
That match, played Sunday prior to Martin’s joint statement, was an encouraging display of West Ham’s fight to end the season strongly. Soucek’s goal proved crucial in pushing the Hammers towards a top 4 finish in the league table, possibly placing them above not only Manchester United but Spurs too. Making his accomplishments all the more impressive is the fact that he’s scored five goals since new coach Roberto Martínez took over. No doubt that this increase in scoring represents a pretty big shift in how he’s been playing. Essentially, he’s been repurposed from a creator into a goal-scoring threat.
Soucek’s versatility along the pitch has served to his benefit, as he’s found success in multiple roles. He’s learned to play the role of a No. 6 goon. On top of that, he’s a fantastic box-to-box No. 8 and No. 10 battering ram. At 6-foot-4, he fills out an imposing athletic frame. His ability to time late runs into the box creates a near-constant threat for West Ham to not only score, but score with context.
“I want to be flexible, I can play deep and I can play higher, that’s my style – what I love about football and being a midfielder is when they can rotate all over the pitch.” – Tomas Soucek
Soucek’s versatility will be golden for the Hammers as they look to lock up a European place in the home stretch of the season. Including this year, he is now one of the most experienced members of this current roster. He looks great next to other grizzled veterans like Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell. Their combined experience will help mentor younger players and keep the team leader’s spirits high when the going gets tough in tight matches.
Even with his decreased role in the build-up, Soucek’s contributions have continued to be important. Having recovered from the injury, he has turned his attention toward winning the ball back in the middle and attacking third. Meanwhile, he is boosting his goal-scoring average. His physicality, coupled with his tactical intelligence, have combined to make him an absolute nightmare for opposing defenders.
On this one it appears Soucek will probably be leaving his West Ham clubmate and compatriot Vladimir Coufal in the dust. The two players have forged a connection since moving to London from Slavia Prague within ten months of each other in 2020. Their friendly Jaypexge, sometimes called the “mini Czech corner” for its passion and atmosphere, has been seen on and off the pitch.
“With that passion, it doesn’t matter who loses the ball when we do, but we go for it again, altogether. That’s what we showed against Tottenham and Man Utd, and we need to bring that into every game.” – Tomas Soucek
Soucek emphasized this sentiment following the match against Manchester United:
“That’s a big goal for us, but also we want to finish the season in the best possible way after winning at Old Trafford. If we can get good results, we will all remember during the summer we can come back as strong as we finished.”
For now, such West Hams are preparing themselves. Soucek’s leadership and ability to find the net at opportune moments should be invaluable as they look to chase a top-four finish again.
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