Tomas Soucek cannot start v Fulham as ‘Horrible’ development emerges away from West Ham United
Julen Lopetegui cannot start Tomas Soucek when West Ham face Fulham on Saturday 14 September, Frank McAvennie has said.
The 29-year-old midfielder has started the Premier League campaign brightly, scoring the opener in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace but was most recently dropped against Manchester City.
Soucek has been on international duty with Czechia, facing Georgia and Ukraine, and even despite scoring from the penalty spot, he has been criticised for his “horrible” performances.
Due to his displays away from the London Stadium – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – McAvennie said: “There are a couple of midfield players who haven’t been performing. I’m not too sure which ones could come in [v Fulham].
“I was just surprised to still see Soucek starting ahead of these other guys. There’s no doubt over his abilities. He scores goals, but he just hasn’t been doing it for West Ham.
“The last couple of games have seen an improvement, trying to get the old Soucek back, but he was horrible during the international break.”
Julen Lopetegui to snub Tomas Soucek in West Ham v Fulham?
Given how successful the Hammers’ summer transfer window was, Lopetegui has plenty of choices when it comes to picking his midfield trio.
Edson Alvarez is the easiest choice, with Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler ready to stamp their marks in the middle of the park, and even Lucas Paqueta able to drop back into a deeper role.
Fans witnessed the old Soucek when he netted against Palace last month, but he is not showing his skill and talent enough to warrant being recalled to the starting XI against Fulham.
In other West Ham news, a Niclas Fullkrug decision made in Hammers predicted XI v Fulham.
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