WHZ View: Soucek’s aerial ability is West Ham’s secret weapon
Tomas Soucek has been something of a revelation since he signed for West Ham during the January transfer window last season.
He has added a new dimension to David Moyes’ side and played a huge role in keeping the Hammers in the Premier League last season.
Soucek continued his fine form into this term and he has played a huge role in his new side’s brilliant start to the season which sees the Hammers lying in the Europa League places.
There is one aspect of the 25-year-old’s game that West Ham have really seen the benefit of this year.
Soucek’s aerial ability has been a joy to behold as the Czech international certainly knows how to win the ball with his head.
In his last two outings for the Hammers, Soucek has scored two goals and his effort against Leeds came from a brilliant header.
Against Leeds, Soucek did so well to beat his man in the air before getting enough power on his header to beat Illan Meslier in the Leeds net despite him heading the ball straight at the young keeper.
It isn’t just in front of goal where the Czech has impressed with his heading this season.
According to Wyscout, only Sheffield United’s Ollie McBurnie [158] has won more aerial duels than Soucek [133] this season as he dominates in an area of the pitch that can be exploited.
In fact, Soucek is winning 10.33 aerial duels per 90 minutes this season which is only bettered by two Premier League players, McBurnie [17.95] and teammate Sebastien Haller [13.27].
We have seen David Moyes encourage his side to play out from the back this season but if the Hammers do need to go long at any point Soucek is usually there to keep possession.
This is one such example as the Hammers go long from a goal kick against Leeds but Soucek excellently wins the header.
He then manages to find a teammate with his header and this action ultimately results in an attacking move that was unfortunately cut out by the Leeds defence.
While Moyes doesn’t utilise Soucek’s heading ability often, when he does it can massively benefit his side.
Soucek is quickly becoming a fan favourite at the London Stadium as well as becoming one of the club’s most important players.
Heading is just one aspect of his game that we have highlighted but Soucek has plenty more to offer and we hope he continues to show his class this season.
In other West Ham news, Frank McAvennie is unsure if Christian Eriksen would fit in at West Ham.