West Ham United: Pundit tips David Moyes to axe Tomas Soucek v Arsenal after what he’s heard
Frank McAvennie believes Tomas Soucek hasn’t looked the same since his new West Ham contract and must be taken out of the firing line in their match against Arsenal on Sunday.
Soucek has been an ever-present figure for the Hammers so far this season, scoring five goals from 22 appearances in the Premier League, whilst playing in all their six Europa League games scoring two goals.
West Ham announced his new contract (1 January) signing a new long-term deal after several rumours emerged that he could leave the club during the January window.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “Two or three years ago, we didn’t have the players to play the attractive brand of football, now we do.
“Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen are exceptional and key for David Moyes but then there’s Edson Alvarez who I feel has been brilliant since he moved.
“I hear the recent criticisms of Kalvin Phillips but he hasn’t had games at Manchester City so I urge fans to be patient.
“Moyes has to be quick to get him up to speed but I’d still start him in the midfield and I’d drop Soucek in all honesty.
“I like him, I like the player but he’s not been good enough since that new contract has he?
“Sometimes it’s important to take players out of the firing line when they’re not playing well and his performances have left room for criticism.
“He’s been criticised a lot and people calling him Moyes’ favourite because he never gets dropped but Moyes must be brave and drop him to the bench next game. I think he needs a break.”
Soucek has looked lost at the London Stadium
Before he signed his deal, every passing week that Soucek’s contract wasn’t dealt with or announced at the London Stadium, certainly left a lot of room for several rumours to fly around regarding a possible exit.
Inter Milan were indeed the reported biggest suitors for his signature (FC Inter News, 12 October) with his contract coming to a close.
The midfielder wasn’t quite at his best in the opening few games of the season, but he has once again emerged as an extremely important player for Moyes over the past couple of months.
Indeed, since that new deal was announced on the first day of the year, Soucek has been nowhere to be seen in games despite being a regular.
It’s easy to see why Moyes loves starting him given his presence in both boxes and his reliable displays but that hasn’t been the case recently with the Czech looking lost especially in possession.
Now the Hammers possess a tremendous midfield pairing in Phillips and Alvarez who both are an upgrade on Soucek on the ball and off it.
Soucek has indeed been criticised in recent weeks and must now be taken out of the firing line if West Ham are to pick up some much-needed results again.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are now owed an apology after an “incomprehensible” transfer window development.
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