Analysis

8 clearances, 2 blocks, 4 aerial duels won – Exceptional £17.5m West Ham man went under the radar vs Chelsea

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West Ham United were unfortunate to lose to Chelsea on Monday night.

We had numerous decisions go against us at Stamford Bridge, and could easily have left there with all three points on another day.

West Ham looked very solid defensively on the whole against Chelsea, and when Graham Potter has all of his best players back and available for selection, I believe we will be a really exciting team to watch.

Crysencio Summerville experienced a setback with his injury recovery yesterday, and could be out for another eight weeks.

However, aside from the Dutchman’s situation, things are looking up. Lucas Paqueta, Jean-Clair Todibo and Edson Alvarez should all be back for our next game.

Jarrod Bowen recently admitted that he’s noticed a big difference in training since Potter’s arrival, when watching on from the sidelines.

West Ham United FC v Fulham FC - Premier League
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images

The future is very bright at the London Stadium. I’m just hoping that the owners adequately back Potter in the summer transfer window.

That said, it’s worth highlighting how we have plenty of good players at the club already. Some of them are extremely undervalued by our own fans though.

West Ham man went under the radar vs Chelsea

The boys out in a real shift at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.

I loved the fact that we actually looked like a cohesive until for a change, unlike the days with Julen Lopetegui in charge.

It’s no coincidence that we’re not taking hidings anymore since Potter’s arrival is it? We have only lost by more than one goal once – the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace a couple of weeks ago.

One player in particular epitomised our new-found robustness under the new gaffer with a fine performance against Chelsea.

Tomas Soucek put in a really hard-working display, one that largely went unnoticed.

The 29-year-old made one tackle, eight clearances, two blocks and he won four aerial duels (Who Scored).

Soucek didn’t stop running for the team, and contributed for us in both boxes.

Had he not played for us on Monday night, I truly believe that the defeat would have been much heavier.

Chelsea FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

I think the Czech Republic international is a player who will only be truly appreciated by the fans when he leaves us.

Tomas Soucek is West Ham’s unsung hero

West Ham signed Soucek on a permanent £17.5 million deal in the summer of 2020 (WHUFC.com), after he spent the previous five months on loan at the London Stadium.

Some fans don’t like the 29-year-old because he isn’t the best with the ball at his feet.

I think they’re missing the point though.

What is the only thing Hammers fans have demanded from our players historically?

100% commitment right? To fight for the shirt and leave everything on the pitch.

Well, Soucek has that in spades. He bleeds claret and blue, and gives everything for the shirt in every single game he plays for us.

I honestly believe that the midfielder deserves so much more respect from some of our fans.

Tomas Soucek’s performance for West Ham against Chelsea once again went under the radar, but without him, we would have been in big trouble.