West Ham United’s towering midfielder, Tomas Soucek, has undergone a remarkable transformation this season, and it’s a welcome development for the club and its supporters, writes the Hammer.News. Since his arrival at the London Stadium, Soucek’s journey has been nothing short of spectacular.
Soucek initially joined West Ham on loan from Slavia Prague in January 2020, and his impact was immediate. His permanent transfer to the club in the subsequent summer for approximately £15 million was seen as a masterstroke by manager David Moyes. During his first full season with the Hammers, the 28-year-old Czech Republic international made headlines by netting an impressive 10 goals in the Premier League.
However, the start of the 2021/22 season saw Soucek’s form dip as he was shifted to a deeper midfield role to accommodate Declan Rice’s more advanced position. This tactical experiment not only weakened the team’s overall performance but also exposed Soucek’s vulnerabilities.
This season, there appears to be a shift back to an attacking role for Soucek, with Edson Alvarez providing defensive support. The change has allowed the towering midfielder to find himself in more favorable positions on the field. Soucek’s overall game has also shown significant improvement, as exemplified by his outstanding performance against Liverpool.
Against Liverpool, Soucek’s influence was evident in all areas of the pitch. He delivered a top-class defensive display and came close to scoring a goal, only to be denied by a remarkable save from Alisson Becker. He touched the ball 43 times, achieved an impressive pass completion rate of 82.1% from 28 attempted passes, had three shots on goal, and provided a key pass. In addition, he contributed defensively with two tackles, three clearances, and three crucial blocks against the formidable Reds.
The resurgence of Tomas Soucek is undoubtedly a positive development for West Ham United, and his recent performance against Liverpool underscores the significant strides he has made. As the season progresses, Soucek’s contributions will be crucial to the club’s ambitions and success.