Julen Lopetegui to make Tomas Soucek decision after surprise West Ham developments
Julen Lopetegui to make Tomas Soucek decision after surprise West Ham developments
Match

Tomas Soucek faces West Ham United axe amid surprise transfer development

West Ham Zone speaking to Frank McAvennie
West Ham Zone speaking to Frank McAvennie

Two stints with the club and still a firm favourite with the fans all this time later, thanks to lines like these from his autobiography: “It was the tops. The place to be. I wouldn’t give a monkey’s what the pay was. I’d play for West Ham for free.” McAvennie will bring you all his latest opinions about the big news stories from West Ham.

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Frank McAvennie has told Julen Lopetegui to drop Tomas Soucek after he started the first two Premier League matches for West Ham United.

The Czechia international started 34 of the Hammers' 38 league matches under David Moyes last season, notching seven goals and two assists from midfield.

However, with the club nearing a surprise deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Carlos Soler [The Times], Soucek will face more competition in the middle of the park, especially with Lucas Paqueta moving in from the left flank.

Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: "I've been surprised to see him start. Put your strongest team out and make a statement.

"I think he could still be a very important player because he was never dropped under David Moyes, but I think he needs to be left out. It would do him some good, and bring him back to his best."

Julen Lopetegui to drop Tomas Soucek at West Ham?

Despite the change of manager, the 29-year-old midfielder has kept his place in the side. And while he struggled to make an impact against Aston Villa, he did manage to hit the back of the net against Crystal Palace.

He opened the scoring at Selhurst Park on Saturday 24 August, firing home after a smart counterattack from the Hammers, but it could be suggested that he is not firing at all cylinders despite the goal.

Tomas Soucek West Ham United
West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek

Soucek is one of the many players at the London Stadium who the club are reportedly open to selling before 30 August, as per The Times, but the surprise decision to start him in both matches suggests he is not for sale this summer.

With PSG's Soler set to be introduced as another signing at the London Stadium, though, the midfielder may need to be patient for minutes on the pitch during the 2024/25 season.

In other West Ham news, Sam Allardyce has hit out at unbelievably terrible things said about the Hammers.

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West Ham United
Frank McAvennie
Julen Lopetegui
Tomas Soucek
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