Say what you want about Tomas Soucek – criticise his occasional wayward passing and his technical limitations – but play to his strengths and the West Ham United’s big friendly giant remains as effective as ever.
Reliable goalscoring midfielders do not grow on trees.
So, while the towering Czech Republic international may have plenty of weaknesses in his game, West Ham United may be about to discover that another box-crashing number eight capable of averaging a goal every five Premier League matches is far easier said than done.
While giving Graham Potter’s side the lead during Sunday’s 2-0 win at Manchester United, Tomas Soucek took his tally to nine goals for the league season.
He is now just one shy from matching his best-ever return in a claret and blue shirt.
That trademark thumping header during the 3-2 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion, meanwhile, ensures that Soucek sits top of the charts for headed goals since he arrived in English football from Sparta Prague half-a-decade ago.
So while claims that Potter is ready to cash in on Soucek are gathering pace, a return of two goals in three matches since those reports emerged provides a timely reminder of the unique qualities he brings to the table, and the penalty-box threat West Ham would lose should he move on.
Tomas Soucek could still break a Premier League record at West Ham United
The Hammers have only two games remaining before the curtain falls on a miserable top-flight campaign.
Nottingham Forest will travel to the capital on Sunday – the final London Stadium fixture of 2024/25 – before closing the campaign with a trip to already-relegated Ipswich Town.
Should he find the net three times in those last two matches – and that is far from impossible given his current form, and particularly when factoring in Ipswich’s defensive record – Soucek will depart West Ham having secured his place in the Premier League history books.
Of the 12 Czech players to feature in England’s top flight, only one has scored more goals than the former Sparta Prague captain. Former Liverpool, Portsmouth and Aston Villa favourite Patrick Berger netted 38 often spectacular strikes over a 12 year spell.
Soucek is currently on 36, having played 50 fewer matches than Berger too.
He has already left ex-Liverpool striker Milan Baros [28] in the dust, while comfortably outscoring the likes of Karel Poborsky [Manchester United], Tomas Rosicky [Arsenal] and Vladimir Smicer [Liverpool].
“[Overtaking Patrick Berger] is certainly a topic of discussion,” Soucek smiled a few months ago, after claiming the Czech Footballer of the Year award for a fourth time.
“Every time I score, I receive messages reminding me that I am getting closer to that record. Whether I surpass Berger or not, I am already extremely proud of what I have achieved. I’m curious to see how far I can go.
“Having just celebrated my 30th birthday, I look forward to what lies ahead.”
Leeds United and Everton headline Soucek pursuit
Whether the £15 million-rated Soucek’s future lies at West Ham or elsewhere, meanwhile, that is a question which should be answered over the coming weeks.
According to Times reporter Gary Jacob, Potter has reservations about Soucek’s ability to last the pace in the Premier League having celebrated his 30th birthday in February. A reunion with David Moyes at Everton is a possibility.
Furthermore, newly-promoted Leeds United value Soucek’s imposing presence and vast experience even if Graham Potter does not.
“It’s more than Leeds and Everton now. [For Soucek, there are] up to five teams in talks,” football correspondent Graeme Bailey tells Hammers News. “Tomas Soucek is going to be one of the big sales West Ham are planning on this summer.
“We have seen the likes of Everton and Leeds linked, but I know that interest is mounting. Nearly half-a-dozen rivals are now keen. I am told he will be staying in England when he does leave and he is going to have his pick of clubs.
“Personally, I think West Ham are going to regret letting Soucek go. Replacing his near 10 goals a season is going to be nearly impossible.”
A word of warning, then, for a club whose record when it comes to signing reliable centre-forwards is poor to say the least.
Alongside Jarrod Bowen, Soucek is the only West Ham player to find the net more than four times in 2024/25.
Though should he draw a blank against Nottingham Forest and Ipswich, the level of Premier League interest ensures Soucek will still have plenty of time to leave Berger trailing in his wake.
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