Tomas Soucek performance for Czech Republic could provide springboard after West Ham United struggles
Tomas Soucek could have been provided a springboard at West Ham after his impressive performance for the Czech Republic on Thursday (7 September).
The Czech captain recorded an assist as his side drew 1-1 at home against Albania following Vaclav Cerny’s goal, with fellow Hammer Vladimir Coufal also playing in the game.
After his form has been largely inconsistent for the Irons over the past year or so, his latest outing could be just what he needs to get back on track at the London Stadium.
There is no doubt that Soucek is one of the most popular figures among the West Ham squad due to his infectious personality and willingness to give everything for the side.
He proved to be an instant hit with the Hammers fans following his arrival from Slavia Prague in January 2020 as he helped the club fight off relegation.
His first full season at the club proved to be hugely successful, as he scored 10 Premier League goals after featuring in every game across the campaign.
The midfielder has scored some huge goals for the club domestically and in Europe to ensure that he will be fondly remembered long after he leaves East London.
But despite still being a regular under David Moyes, there have been doubts creeping in about him over the past year following some less-than-impressive performances.
His goal tally went down drastically last season, with the Czech scoring just two goals – none of which were with his head – in the Premier League after featuring in 36 matches (SofaScore).
That is largely because he struggled to get into promising attacking positions as much as he perhaps had previously, having registered just 0.4 shots on target a game and missing two big chances for a conversation rate of just six per cent.
While he did record three assists, his pass success rate was a lowly 72 per cent as his accuracy in the opposition’s half fell to 63 per cent after averaging just 0.4 key passes per outing.
He continued to be pretty decent in some defensive aspects, making 2.1 tackles and 1.5 interceptions a game, but he was dribbled past 0.8 times and made one error leading to a goal being conceded.
After starting the first three games of this campaign, Soucek struggled a bit without Declan Rice alongside him, conceding a penalty in the victory over Chelsea.
He has failed to register a shot on target despite missing one big chance and his pass accuracy has dropped to 65 per cent, which is far too low for a Premier League midfielder.
He was sidelined with a head injury in West Ham’s most recent outing against Luton after being forced off the field in the first half at Brighton.
Unfortunately for Soucek, the side have perhaps looked better without him in the middle of the park, as new signings James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez have quickly developed a promising partnership.
But his performance against Albania on Thursday could be the platform he needs to rediscover his form, with SofaScore handing him an 8.1 rating – the highest of any player on the pitch.
The Czech had 76 touches and recorded a pass accuracy of 78 per cent, having made two key passes on his way to creating two big chances and recording an assist.
He had two shots on target and was successful in both the dribbles he attempted, while he also won all five of his duels in the air.
Although the midfielder was dribbled past on four occasions, he made three tackles and two interceptions as he played the full 90 minutes.
He will be hoping to take that form back to East London with him when the Hammers face Manchester City on 16 September at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, an update has been provided on one star’s fitness following an injury concern.