Sky Sports Jamie Redknapp has called for Tomas Soucek to be dropped if West Ham are to progress into a top side.
West Ham once again wasted a host of chances and lost away from home against a so-called “top six” side when they were beaten 1-0 at Man United on Sunday.
The Hammers have been the most wasteful team in the Premier League this season in terms of big chances converted.
And fans feel the David Moyes sets up the side too negatively at the start of matches, especially against the established elite clubs.
The Scot once again went with three defensive midfielders at Old Trafford.
And it was the same old story as West Ham did not truly have a go until they were trailing. When they did they were either typically wasteful, lacking composure or found David De Gea in inspired form.
West Ham’s struggles to score goals this season, particularly away from home, was a topic of discussion on Sky Sports after the game.
After Moyes once again bemoaned his side’s profligacy, it was put to the panel of pundits what the Hammers boss can do to improve the side’s attacking intent and output.
And Jamie Redknapp has called for Tomas Soucek to be dropped if West Ham are to progress into a top side.
Jamie Redknapp calls for Tomas Soucek to be dropped if West Ham are to progress into a top side
“They certainly had a few chances in that second half (but) I look at that West Ham (side), when you talk about midfields and how that works right now, I’m not convinced by Soucek and (Declan) Rice as a partnership,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
“It’s a longstanding partnership, it has its positives, it certainly does. But I’m talking about certain games when you need creativity.
“Now of course Soucek will offer you great in the air and set pieces for and against he’s important. But I look at Declan and sometimes he’s looking to pop off a little pass to someone and it’s not quite there because it’s not Soucek’s game.
“You’ve got (Pablo) Fornals, (Manuel) Lanzini, (Said) Benrahma could even play in there – he did for Brentford – (Flynn) Downes could play as one of those two central midfield players as well then you get an extra one ahead. I know (Lucas) Paqueta is injured and talking to David Moyes before the game he’s a player that he really likes.
“But I just feel with those two – of course Declan Rice is going to start, he’s different class – but it’s just doesn’t feel like there’s any sort of flow to their game when you’ve got players that are so similar in there.”
Gary Neville agreed, saying Soucek reminds him of how Moyes used to utilise Marouane Fellaini. And the pundit said the game has moved on since those days, highlighting that the best holding midfielders now have to be able to play on the ball.
Earlier this week Soucek opened up on his struggles for form at West Ham, pouring his heart out on the issue.
Redknapp and Neville’s comments will chime with many West Ham fans who have been calling for Moyes to drop Soucek for some time.