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Czech newspaper reacts to Tomas Soucek display v Wales
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek scored for his country on Tuesday (29 March) as the Czech Republic managed a 1-1 draw against Wales.
The Hammers midfielder opened the scoring in the 32nd minute of the game with a swivelled strike.
The lead lasted for only two minutes as Rubin Colwill finished a swift team move to level the tie.
Czech newspaper Blesk has described Soucek as a “bloated marathon runner” and “likeable heartbreaker.”
The newspaper suggests that Soucek is irreplaceable, but they are also flabbergasted as to why he would play such an “insignificant” international friendly.
“The high midfielder was missing only in the last match of the World Cup qualification in Qatar at home against Estonia – and only because of the threat of scratching the barracks,” wrote Michal Kvasnica for Blesk.
“I understand that a bloated marathon runner and a likeable heartbreaker want to play everything. Even the fact that Jaroslav Šilhavý cannot imagine the line-up without him and in perhaps the last match on the prestigious bench he wanted to succeed even with the help of the best Czech footballer of recent years.
“However, Souček also showed in Cardiff how valid he is. Not only in terms of a beautiful goal but the overall benefit for the team. He helped the insecure trio, got involved in the construction, finished the events in the final phase.”
Need him fresh
David Moyes probably won’t be pleased to see Soucek playing the entire game against Wales.
The Hammers midfielder has hardly got a rest this season. He has made 28 Premier League starts, scoring four goals.
On top of that, he has made seven Europa League appearances and a further five appearances have come in domestic cup games.
As we approach the business end of the season, Moyes will need his key players to remain fresh and help the team achieve their targets.
West Ham have dropped off the pace in the race for the top four, but they should aim to secure a top-six finish in the league.
At the same time, the Hammers are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League where they will face Lyon next.
Soucek, captain of his national team, loves to play for his country, but he could have easily avoided this game.
In other West Ham news, Yaya Toure has said he would be open to helping this Irons star improve to the next level.
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