According to a recent report by Claret and Hugh, Tomáš Souček could be a nailed-on start for West Ham United in their Premier League showdown against Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend. The Czech Republic international was only fit enough to start on the bench in the 1-0 loss away at Arsenal last Saturday. In the pre-match press conference before that game, David Moyes provided an update on his return from injury when he said (via Football.London), “We are getting much closer to a full squad. Soucek is doing very well and is close to being match fit, very close to it now and he has recovered very quickly.”
The Stage Is Set For Soucek To Be West Ham’s Saviour This Season
Having Soucek back this weekend will be a welcome bit of news for anyone associated with the East London club. Since making a six-month loan switch from Slavia Prague in January, the 25-year-old has shown a few glimpses of what he is capable of but is yet to score his first goal for the Hammers. He has featured in four league matches for David Moyes’ side so far, securing a total of 231 minutes of playing time in the process.
Soucek will now hope that he can put his recent injury struggles behind him so that he can reignite his form and help West Ham get out of relegation trouble in the coming weeks. Moyes’ side are currently occupying the 16th spot in the Premier League table with just a superior goal-difference separating them from the relegation zone.
With some problematic league matches coming up against the likes of Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea respectively, the Hammers will hope to see the best out of Soucek so that he can turn their fortunes around for the better at the London Stadium.
The Czech Midfielder’s Growing Influence In Moyes’ First XI
Soucek is primarily a defensive midfielder who loves to get stuck in with a few tackles to win the ball back for his side. He has averaged two tackles and two interceptions per game in the four league matches he has been a part of this season (stats via whoscored). The 25-time Czech Republic international can scan the danger quickly, which allows him to make some vital last-ditch clearances for his team. This explains why has made three clearances per 90 minutes in the English top-flight this term (stats via whoscored).
Soucek Set To Start Vs Wolves: Big Boost For The Hammers?
Soucek’s return against Wolves will be a timely boost for the Hammers as they will able to control the midfield with more authority and command. Soucek is slowly but surely forming a productive partnership with Declan Rice and Mark Noble at the centre of the park. The early signs have been quite promising from the talented trio, so the West Ham supporters would now hope that they can help the club steer clear of the drop zone heading into the business end of this campaign.
Soucek’s availability will also allow Moyes to be more flexible with his formation and tactics over the next few weeks. He is versatile enough to fill in as a centre-back as well. Hence, the Hammers boss would be able to change his formations on the go, which could end up making a real difference in his team’s battle for Premier League survival.
