Tomas Soucek has found himself to be the target for criticism from some sections of the West Ham United fanbase over the past year or so.
West Ham signed Tomas Soucek from Slavia Prague on loan in January 2020, and that deal was made permanent for around €21 million (£17.6 million) five months later.
Soucek recently admitted that he believed some West Ham fans don’t like him, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Some fans have criticised him, sure, but there isn’t anyone out there of a Hammers persuasion who actually dislikes him…surely?
He gives his all for the shirt every single time that he steps out onto the pitch.
The hard-working midfielder offers so much more than purely heart, fight and commitment though.
He has become a vital player in Lopetegui’s current season…amazingly.
West Ham ace Tomas Soucek’s remarkable turnaround
Given that he bleeds claret and blue blood, I really feel like Soucek is unappreciated by the vast majority of Hammers fans.
I think the biggest compliment I can give him is that I really notice his absence when he’s not playing.
One thing’s for sure, Julen Lopetegui can’t play Soucek as a number 10, but when he’s been utilised correctly in recent weeks, he has been truly outstanding for us.
Talk about a complete 180 degree turn – many fans predicted that big Tom would be the first player out the door when Lopetegui replaced David Moyes at the London Stadium in the summer.
However, Soucek has proven himself to be absolutely vital to the current West Ham team over the past few weeks.
He scored the all important equaliser away at Brentford two weeks ago and put in a really good performance during our 4-1 win over Ipswich Town last weekend.
The Czech Republic international isn’t the best footballer from a technical perspective, we all know that.
However, there are few players in world football who can match him for effort, commitment and passion.
Soucek one in a million
Tomas Soucek never lets West Ham down, and he always puts in 100% effort as a bare minimum.
The 29-year-old is absolutely vital for us when it comes to defending free-kicks and corners due to his aerial strength.
However, what I really love about the former Slavia Prague ace is the fact that he is always willing to put his head where others aren’t.
What is it we say at West Ham? If you give your all we will back you to the hilt – something like that right?
Well, it’s time that we all started to appreciate Tomas Soucek more as far as I’m concerned.
I have been guilty of being overly critical of him in the past, but it has been clear to see over the last few weeks just how much he offers the team.
What a remarkable turnaround it has been for Soucek. He’s gone from disposable in the summer to undroppable under Lopetegui now.
And I absolutely love to see it.
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