It would be a bit unfair to suggest that West Ham United supporters have a ‘love or hate’ relationship with their £19 million man.
Not even the most hard-nosed Hammers supporter dislikes him enough to rally for the departure of a man who has been consistently one of the first names on the claret-and-blue team-mate over the last four-and-a-half years.
But the long-serving midfielder certianly has his doubters. Can West Ham really progress into a possession-based team – and that is what Julen Lopetegui will look to do after replacing David Moyes in the dugout – with Tomas Soucek in the heart of their midfield?
The former Slavia Prague skipper is hardly the most expressive of players on the ball. Even the simplest, shortest of passes have been seen shanked off target or put tamely out of play.
Of course, what Soucek lacks in possession, he makes up for when crashing into the penalty area and directing those trademark headers on target. Or, when dropping into a massed ranks of defenders and using his height and physicality to clear away crosses.
Like against Portugal on Tuesday night; one particularly impressive defensive header denying Cristiano Ronaldo what looked a clear goal as a dogged Czech Republic side held on valiantly.
West Ham’s Tomas Soucek helps run Portugal close
“Phenomenal,” was the assessment of Danny Murphy, the former Liverpool and Tottenham playmaker speaking on BBC One after Soucek used his 6ft 4ins frame to excellent use in his own box.
“(Soucek is) one of the best in the Premier League in both boxes.”
Soucek, of course, would find himself on the losing side in Leipzig thanks to Francisco Conceicao’s dramatic late winner. But this performance was a reminder of just how valuable and effective the 29-year-old can be in the right circumstances.
Lopetegui’s patient build-up play is likely to suit him less than life under Moyes. But if the former Real Madrid boss needs a goal – or if he needs to close a game out at the other – Soucek could still be an invaluable member of the Hammers roster.
Frank Lampard hails £19m man
“We know from the Premier League back home, (Soucek) is a very consistent performer,” one-time West Ham prospect Frank Lampard added.
“Great positional discipline, plays in midfield, knows his role. And then the added bit to his game, which is slightly unique as a midfield player; he can arrive (in the box and cause problems with) his aerial threat.
“I think six out of (the Czech Republic’s) 12 goals in qualifying were set pieces. I have gone up against him in set pieces with my teams. And he is one of those players you know, if the delivery is right and he is there, you can’t do much about it.
“He is one of those. He is technically very good with it and his pure height. Also, a good player. Good energy.”
West Ham, HITC understands, are looking to add more height to an already phyiscally imposing squd. this summer too.
The 2023 Europa Conference League champions have held talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers about a deal that could take Molineux captain Max Kilman to the London Stadium, potentially as a replacement for Nayef Aguerd.
Wolves want £50 million, however, a fee that West Ham may struggle to reach.
The Hammers have already brought in former Palmeiras whizzkid Luis Guilherme for £25 million.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
