Tomas Soucek offers West Ham United verdict ahead of Europa League campaign
Tomas Soucek has admitted that he believes West Ham United have a stronger squad than they had during their last Europa League campaign.
Under David Moyes in the 2021/22 season, the Hammers made it to the semi-final of the Europa League, losing to eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1 on aggregate after Aaron Cresswell was controversially sent off in the second leg.
Since then West Ham have tasted European success with their Europa Conference League win last season and despite losing Declan Rice, Soucek believes that the Irons are a better side than the last time they played in the Europa League.
Speaking in Wednesday’s press conference, as quoted by the Evening Standard (20 September) he said: “I honestly feel the squad is stronger than it was a few years ago. If you win something, you are more experienced. When the toughest times come, you can show what you have achieved.
“I played with Declan [Rice] for three and a half years. There are many new players. We also have a new coaching staff. Our squad is very big and very strong, so even if we have more than one missing, we can still be a fully strong team.
“I just hope we translate [our strong Premier League form] to the Europa League.”
Stronger
The Hammers’ business this summer has left them in an incredibly strong position and it is a testament to Moyes and Tim Steidten’s work that they have built a squad that hasn’t looked as though they are missing the best and arguably most integral player.
Rice’s departure has almost been nullified by the great starts that both James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez have had to life in East London and you’d have to say on a player-for-player the Hammers are probably in a better position than they were two years ago.
The biggest change at the London Stadium has been in terms of the depth of quality. For Moyes to have been able to keep the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma on the bench for early parts of the season and still only lose once demonstrates just how far West Ham have come.
With European football once again, that squad depth was always going to be required and it allows the Irons to try different players in different roles and different formations to try and find that winning formula.
Last season saw the Hammers strong in Europe but poor domestically and it is clear Soucek is eager to continue the good start in all competitions rather than focusing on one avenue. Hopefully, the Irons can fire on all fronts this season.
In other West Ham news, Ian Wright has singled out one West Ham star who’s flown under the radar this season