Thomas Soucek must step up for West Ham United after Jarrod Bowen injury blow
Thomas Soucek must step up his performances for West Ham after they suffered an injury blow, with Jarrod Bowen set to miss the Premier League clash against Burnley.
The injury to Bowen, sustained on international duty, means Mohammed Kudus should shift over to the right-hand side, with Soucek stepping in to fill the hole behind the striker.
Claret & Hugh [23 November] shared that Bowen will not travel to the Burnley game as he continues his recovery, but after Soucek’s international displays, he will be the first contender to start in his place.
After his performances for the Czech Republic during the international break, Czech news outlet iDNES were full of praise, stating his strength, hard work, and honesty on the pitch exemplify exactly what they want from their national team.
His goalscoring exploits in both clashes against Poland and Moldova saw his country earn a 1-1 draw and 3-0 victory respectively, with his performances, in particular, standing out.
Aside from the goals, Soucek competed in 25 duels across the two games, winning 100% of his ground duels in the Moldova clash, as well as completing 100% of his dribbles against Poland. He drew five fouls, made six clearances, and four tackles, showing the rock-solid defensive side to his game. [Sofascore]
If Soucek can replicate his international form for West Ham, it will go a long way towards ensuring the club does not miss Bowen too much in his absence, while Kudus can fill in on the creative side they will miss in the England star’s absence.
The Czech has always been a favourite of Moyes’, but now more than ever he will be called upon to step up, and his goalscoring instincts which have seen him score five goals already this season will also play a key part in the absence of both Bowen and Michail Antonio.
In other West Ham news, the club have pushed ahead in talks over a new deal.