First Team Squad

Player profile and performance records.

Tomas Soucek (Midfielder)

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Tomas Soucek

 Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic
Squad Number: 28
Position: Midfielder
Born: 27th Feb 1995 (Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic)
Signed: 29th Jan 2020 (£0)
Contract: 4 years (signed October 2020)
Previous Club: Slavia Prague

KUMB Awards: Best Signing 2019/20.

The imposing Czech international midfielder joined West Ham in January 2020 on loan from Slavia for the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign, with an obligation to but should West Ham remain in the Premier League.

The 6'4" Soucek, a former captain of his club has been a regular feature in the national team's midfield and was part of the team which delivered England's only Euro 2020 qualifying defeat.

On 24 July 2020 Soucek's move to West Ham was made permanent following the club's survival, with West Ham paying in the region of ??13m to complete the deal.

 

vs Fiorentina

1-2: Wednesday, 7th June
(Played 90 minutes)

His first half was rough, lost in the way AZ played confidently on the ball. He couldn?EUR(TM)t get control of it himself, couldn?EUR(TM)t get to grips with the runners and was slack on their goal, especially as the system would dictate he?EUR(TM)s out to the goalscorer. Improved in the second half, held the midfield well with Rice.

vs Leeds United

3-1: Sunday, 21st May
(Played 90 minutes)

He just loves heading footballs, doesn't he? It was a joy to watch him from kick-off, eager to get down the line and be ready to throw his head at another ball aimed somewhat towards him. He does it all over the park, and you start to see why a manager would love him. A committed soldier who does all the ugly, gritty work without missing a step.

vs AZ Alkmaar

1-0: Thursday, 18th May
(Played 90 minutes)

Barely a sloppy pass to remember, instead this was the dominant defender that Soucek is. Just tireless, tireless running and work from a much-maligned figure. There's hardly a better pair of midfielders to have in front of a defence when backs are against the wall than Soucek and Rice. Soucek blocks, clears, tackles and did excellently to always be out and ready to support Bowen and Kehrer.

vs Brentford

0-2: Sunday, 14th May
(Played 90 minutes)

Both the deeper central midfielders were bad with the ball, but whilst Downes was too cautious and couldn?EUR(TM)t see forward passes, Soucek struggled with that and doing simple passes. It's like he's always being tackled by his other leg.

vs AZ Alkmaar

2-1: Thursday, 11th May
(Played 90 minutes)

His first half was rough, lost in the way AZ played confidently on the ball. He couldn?EUR(TM)t get control of it himself, couldn?EUR(TM)t get to grips with the runners and was slack on their goal, especially as the system would dictate he?EUR(TM)s out to the goalscorer. Improved in the second half, held the midfield well with Rice.

vs Manchester United

1-0: Sunday, 7th May
(Played 90 minutes)

Almost certainly Tomas' best game of the season so far. He kept a close eye on Bruno Fernades throughout and almost had an assist before Antonio's effort was ruled out.

vs Bournemouth

4-0: Sunday, 23rd April
(Played 90 minutes)

A useful, if limited support act. It's working better, even if he seems quiet. He just goes about his job, and he did make more runs into the area. One of them will drop the right way for him soon.

vs Gent

4-1: Thursday, 20th April
(Played 90 minutes)

Isn't making the runs into the box he used to, but on the occasion he did, he should have scored. On the stretch though he was, he should have got over the effort and struck into the empty net, rather than smashing the bar. Another game where he seemed to be making simpler passes in the middle, which is improving things there.

vs Fulham

1-0: Saturday, 8th April
(Played 90 minutes)

Not an outstanding display, but very solid and worked hard. Defended like a spare centre back again. Shame about the parts where he has to pass like a midfielder. The system got the basics out of him, and that was what was needed most. There?EUR(TM)s just more to add.

vs Newcastle United

1-5: Wednesday, 5th April
(Played 90 minutes)

He was as bad in his anonymous display at a player like Aguerd who made numerous errors. His confidence is clearly at rock bottom, continuing to pick him is astonishingly bad management.

vs Southampton

1-0: Sunday, 2nd April
(Played 90 minutes)

One good tackle in the box aside, Soucek was poor. He looks scared in possession, as if he knows the pressure he is under to improve. The manager relies on him, but it might be time to make the Czech his Europa Conference League enforcer. He has looked a very capable holding midfielder, but cannot be that in a side with Rice.

vs AEK Larnaca

4-0: Thursday, 16th March
(Played 90 minutes)

Maybe life after Declan Rice needs no new signing? Soucek looks very suited to a game where he sits behind creative players and just does a lot of gritty work. Good header for Mubama's goal, too.

vs Aston Villa

1-1: Sunday, 12th March
(Played 90 minutes)

Solid, if unspectacular, he does some good defensive work in both halves, but made no impact as an attacking option. Leaves a real quandary, because that hard work is important, and he has nous the options to replace him just lack, but he doesn't look like scoring and doesn't create.

vs AEK Larnaca

2-0: Thursday, 9th March
(Played 30 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Rice 60) A few good challenges, but couldn't help get the control that was had with Rice on the pitch.

vs Brighton & Hove Albion

0-4: Saturday, 4th March
(Played 90 minutes)

Made the odd good challenge, but mostly looked lost. Couldn't turn his body quick enough to deal with Brighton's pass-and-move football, and when he did get the ball, he often couldn't do anything useful or accurate with it. There was a need to be able to play sharp football to expose sudden moments of weakness, and he can't play quickly under pressure. How poor he was made others worse.

vs Manchester United

1-3: Wednesday, 1st March
(Played 90 minutes)

He offers good work rate and defends on the front foot, but that lack of guile can be an issue. Whilst he is starting to get in more headers, he?EUR(TM)s not converting, so the decision will have to be made whether the trade off less ability in possession is worth it.

vs Nottingham Forest

4-0: Saturday, 25th February
(Played 90 minutes)

After a busy start, his influence waned a little in the middle period, although he grew defensively again later. He's a bit of a conundrum, because his aerial work is important and he does defend well, and whilst you want him in advance areas to make those runs beyond the striker and into the area, he also lacks the guile to be more than a battering ram. As he drifts to the right, it makes him and Coufal an awkward pair, and a better attacking full back might allow you to cover the worst of Tommy and still keep the best.

vs Tottenham Hotspur

0-2: Sunday, 19th February
(Played 90 minutes)

The main positives in the first half were Soucek's energy in the Tottenham half, making big challenges and putting players under pressure. At times, it felt like he was the only one who would.

vs Chelsea

1-1: Saturday, 11th February
(Played 77 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Paqueta 13') Had he been better with the ball, it would have been a good Soucek performance. He helped the team defend better, defended well himself, and then made that save at the end. But his use of the ball under limited pressure was terrible on too many occasions.

vs Newcastle United

1-1: Saturday, 4th February
(Played 16 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Paqueta 74) Similarly to Fornals, Soucek understood the assignment and did what was needed. Won some big headers, disrupted in the middle and helped defend the late set pieces.

vs Derby County

2-0: Monday, 30th January
(Played 90 minutes)

In a first half where West Ham allowed Derby too much of the ball, he made some crucial challenges. Good assist, too.

vs Everton

2-0: Saturday, 21st January
(Played 19 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Paqueta 71) Came on and defended well.

vs Wolves

0-1: Saturday, 14th January
(Played 90 minutes)

Worked hard, mostly kept out of the build-up and played passes in their half, not ours. But wasn?EUR(TM)t having a positive impact and was rightly replaced. Sadly, he?EUR(TM)s also the player Moyes would have wanted to bring on in the last 10 minutes.

vs Brentford

1-0: Saturday, 7th January
(Played 90 minutes)

Possibly a body extra in that team, with three at the back and three central midfielders. He works ahead of the pack well, it is suiting him more to maraud forward and defend on the front foot, but it is not required in all games, and this was one. The guile from Fornals in there, but with good work rate defensively that the Spaniard brings, would have made this a much better game.

vs Leeds United

2-2: Wednesday, 4th January
(Played 90 minutes)

That hard work and physical presence helped massively. It wasn't pretty, but it set a tone, something that he and Fornals brought that was missing from the Brentford game.

vs Arsenal

1-3: Monday, 26th December
(Played 90 minutes)

Frankly, the moments where Soucek wasn?EUR(TM)t lost and anonymous were almost always moments where he was bad. 40% pass accuracy in the centre of midfield is just not going to work.

vs Leicester City

0-2: Saturday, 12th November
(Played 90 minutes)

Quietly effective defensively, involved in some good moves going forward. Soucek is playing relatively fine, neither excelling nor playing anywhere near as bad as some demand you believe.

vs Crystal Palace

1-2: Sunday, 6th November
(Played 90 minutes)

One notably rough pass will be enough for some to cling to. His ugly, defensive work just isn't interesting enough for some, won?EUR(TM)t catch the attention, but the criticism of the midfielder has become farcical.

vs Manchester United

0-1: Sunday, 30th October
(Played 90 minutes)

A good job defensively, protected that defence well and made some important interventions. Is starting to become criminally underrated by a fanbase that has come obsessed with weaknesses and ignore his strengths.

vs AFC Bournemouth

2-0: Monday, 24th October
(Played 90 minutes)

Really solid defensive display, and a great assist for the first goal. Let down a little by a few sloppy passes, but a strong performance.

vs Liverpool

0-1: Wednesday, 19th October
(Played 90 minutes)

Look, the focus will remain on his work on the ball, which wasn?EUR(TM)t good enough. But his defensive work was very good, sometimes absolutely crucial, and he sat and marshalled the defence when Rice wanted to push forward. And he made us more of a threat when he bombed into the box.

vs Southampton

1-1: Sunday, 16th October
(Played 90 minutes)

Again, Soucek was a useful defensive tool, but hindered the team with his use of the ball. Late on, it was clear Soucek was only on the pitch for his height, but keeping him in the middle of the park meant his play on the ball was probably more problematic than if we had taken him off. But his defensive work was good, and six tackles shows he protected the defenders well.

vs Anderlecht

2-1: Thursday, 13th October

(Replaced Dawson 75) Barely noted he was on.

vs Fulham

3-1: Sunday, 9th October
(Played 90 minutes)

Would have been a 5 before the late goal, but then he lifts a perfectly weighted ball over the defence for Antonio. Not good on the ball otherwise, but solid in defence and positionally aware. For what Moyes wants, this will be enough for the Czech midfielder to keep his place.

vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

2-0: Saturday, 1st October
(Played 90 minutes)

Marauding about the pitch, Soucek added some life to a very flat West Ham team in the first half. He pushed down the right flank a good few times and made good choices with the ball. Kept away from the build-up a touch, you get the best of him. Focusing on those strengths and trying to hide his weaknesses is something the manager needs to recognise is on him, as much as the player.

vs Everton

0-1: Sunday, 18th September
(Played 90 minutes)

A couple of good moments, but more sloppy ones, and he just seemed to be put into a game that wasn?EUR(TM)t suited to him. And then, as we chase, he can?EUR(TM)t be taken off because how much of a weapon he can be in attack.

vs Silkeborg

3-2: Thursday, 15th September
(Played 27 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Rice 63) By no means the worst offender of the subs, and actual managed to make some good defensive contributions, but couldn't be the calming presence he was meant to be.

vs Chelsea

1-2: Saturday, 3rd September
(Played 90 minutes)

Quietly efficient, nothing spectacular, but always very controlled and combative in these kinds of games.

vs Tottenham Hotspur

1-1: Wednesday, 31st August
(Played 90 minutes)

Man of the match performance. He was having another quietly efficient game in midfield, defending well in front of, and dropping into the defence. Then he made one of his runs into the box, darting through the opposition and timing it perfectly to be on the spot and hammer home.

vs Aston Villa

1-0: Sunday, 28th August
(Played 90 minutes)

Calmly and quietly got about his defensive work, picking up scraps and recycling the ball simply. No impact on the attacking, but didn't seem his role today.

vs Viborg FF

3-0: Thursday, 25th August
(Played 90 minutes)

An assist and a goal for Tommy, who has had his share of criticism lately, so it's great to see him play well and deliver.

vs Brighton & Hove Albion

0-2: Sunday, 21st August
(Played 90 minutes)

This will anger many, but the fact he offered some sort of goal threat saves him from a harsher rating. His passing was awful - 62% accuracy for a central midfielder - and he often looks lost against teams that pass slickly in neat patterns around him.

vs Viborg FF

3-1: Thursday, 18th August
(Played 90 minutes)

A very simple and quiet game for him. Got into the box for attacks, but no real impact.

vs Nottingham Forest

0-1: Sunday, 14th August
(Played 90 minutes)

His game will be remembered for the missed header, but the threat he offered with his late runs into the box probably outstripped that offered by anyone but Benrahma. In other games, he gets some luck and a hat trick. Kept the ball well, keeping it simple, which won?EUR(TM)t win him plaudits, but is what works for that midfield. Most tackles and most clearances.

vs Manchester City

0-2: Sunday, 7th August
(Played 90 minutes)

Not an awful performance, but the packed midfield left him rushed on the ball and struggling for space. Disciplined, as ever, but crowded out.

Servette FC

2-0: Friday, 8th July

Just looked tired. Could have been sent off for a second yellow when halting a counter-attack in the second, and he probably didn't need to. Looked too tired to do anything else.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-3: Sunday, 22nd May

Just looked tired. Could have been sent off for a second yellow when halting a counter-attack in the second, and he probably didn't need to. Looked too tired to do anything else.

Manchester City

2-2: Sunday, 15th May

Could have kept the ball better, but was crucial in protecting the defence. And his aerial prowess was used a lot from goal kicks, and using him like that did lead to a goal.

Eintracht Frankfurt

0-1: Thursday, 5th May

He wasn't at his best in the first half of the first leg, really only looking good when he was throwing himself about defensively. Today, you wouldn't know he had been troubled by Lyon previously. Brave pushing forward, a superb partnership with Rice.

Arsenal

1-2: Sunday, 1st May

(Replaced Lanzini, 70) Made no notable difference and couldn't get to grips with the game.

Eintracht Frankfurt

1-2: Thursday, 28th April

He wasn't at his best in the first half of the first leg, really only looking good when he was throwing himself about defensively. Today, you wouldn't know he had been troubled by Lyon previously. Brave pushing forward, a superb partnership with Rice.

Chelsea

0-1: Sunday, 24th April

Unlucky not to get a rest, considering he covers so much ground. Worked tirelessly, and he steps up when Rice isn't there. You don't notice the gap because Soucek is a better defensive midfielder than he's ever given credit for.

Burnley

1-1: Sunday, 17th April

Did a lot of the ugly defending, was composed enough to hold midfield when Lanzini and Rice were forward, gets the goal. It's not poetic, but it's the kind of effectiveness in a game like this that was needed.

Lyon

3-0: Thursday, 14th April

He wasn't at his best in the first half of the first leg, really only looking good when he was throwing himself about defensively. Today, you wouldn't know he had been troubled by Lyon previously. Brave pushing forward, a superb partnership with Rice.

Brentford

0-2: Sunday, 10th April

Soucek didn't play particularly well, and there were a few occasions where his awkward passing was frustrating, but he played with so little ahead of him to use. Antonio was poor, and increasingly so, whilst Bowen would have been more use if he'd sat down.

Lyon

1-1: Thursday, 7th April

Tommy may benefit from the side I sat on, but the way he defended inside the box and then consistently made it out to defend the edges and beyond was magnificent. His passing needs to get better when under pressure, but the work rate and the presence he has in defence will not be matched by any signing.

Everton

2-1: Sunday, 3rd April

Quietly efficient with everything, underlined by a standout nine headed duels won.

Tottenham

1-3: Sunday, 20th March

By the time the midfield had sorted itself out, the game was gone. Unlike in the week, he couldn't really exert any influence going forward.

Seville

2-0: Thursday, 17th March

A quite fantastic performance. The biggest goal threat, that crucial first goal, endless running up and down, box-to-box, combining an attacking edge with the gritty fight he always gives defending. You'll find others with more grace and style, but will they do the miles, the graft, the work of Soucek? Defends from the front well too, a sharp interception winning the ball in the Sevilla half for the Antonio chance.

Aston Villa

2-1: Sunday, 13th March

It just works much better with Soucek getting up and down, the freedom to defend from the front and get into the box, with the energy to get back and be part of a low block. No grace, not as assured on the ball, but useful for the team.

Seville

0-1: Thursday, 10th March

Drove forward, got in and around the box in support, made runs down the right wing, was solid in midfield, kept possession much better than usual. It might make Rice quieter, but we do look more dangerous when he is supporting Antonio.

Liverpool

0-1: Saturday, 5th March

A really solid defensive display. Worked his socks off in there, and you couldn't really look at the game and see a big Declan Rice-shaped hole in the midfield, which is of credit.

Southampton

1-3: Wednesday, 2nd March

The system does get more out of him going forward, and it does appear to make the team more threatening than when Rice is the more prominent attacker, but he wasn't playing notably well before being forced off.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

1-0: Sunday, 27th February

Quietly efficient in midfield, most notably solid when the side went deep to protect the lead. It appeared he had more freedom to attack today, whether that was the formation or just a shift in midfield responsibilities, but whatever it was, it was vital as he strode in and gave his side the win.

Newcastle United

1-1: Saturday, 19th February

The middle of the park floundered without Lanzini able to drop in and help. Soucek battled away, but looked a step short and Newcastle made easier progress through the middle than they should because the spaces are too big between the two midfielders and lack of energy to fill it.

Leicester City

2-2: Sunday, 13th February

He is a defensive rock for this side usually, but he wasn't at his best in the middle today and has to keep the ball better. 50% pass accuracy for a midfielder is unacceptable.

Watford

1-0: Tuesday, 8th February

He is going to get hammered by some for a few sloppy moments on the ball, but he played a couple long passes very well and was a very important presence in defence. Not just winning headers - 9 aerial duels won - but also covering and shielding the defence.

Kidderminster Harriers

2-1: Saturday, 5th February

(Replaced Noble, 63) Basically came on and did quite a quiet job, being where he needed to be in defence, and getting out of Rice's way in the build-up as he pushed into the box.

Manchester United

0-1: Saturday, 22nd January

Quietly effective defensively but struggled with the ball. A generous score because you can see where he improves on what Lanzini did just with his presence, making three interceptions and three clearances.

Leeds United

2-0: Sunday, 9th January

Quietly effective. Defended well, especially big headers late on in the West Ham box, and was efficient with the ball, barely losing it and protecting it well on the dribble too.

Crystal Palace

3-2: Saturday, 1st January

One of the games where he was in there doing the dirty work. He was up pressing high, then back on the edge protecting the defence. A touch sloppy with his passing, needs to be doing better than 68% accuracy, but disrupted Palace in the middle, shielded the defence in the centre and made some big challenges and won important headers in and around the box.

Watford

4-1: Tuesday, 28th December

Dominated the midfield up and down, was just about everywhere and brilliant in almost everything he did. He ghosted into the box very intelligently for the goal, made challenges all over the pitch and rescued the defence from dangerous situations.

Southampton

2-3: Sunday, 26th December

Unlucky to give away the foul on the third goal, he appeared to be punished because he was bigger than the man he was up against. The pass to Bowen was delightful, and he was efficient in defence.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-2: Wednesday, 22nd December

Very unlucky not to have scored and earned his side the first goal not only from the corners and chances he made with the skill he has at attacking balls in the box, but a wonderful regain of possession from the Tottenham goal kick. Maybe, with things stuttering a bit lately, the return to a system that allows him more freedom in the box is wise.

Arsenal

0-2: Wednesday, 15th December

One of his better games for passing, the diagonal balls opened up the team to attack when we were struggling. Made so many clearances and did his defensive work with his usual diligence.

Burnley

0-0: Saturday, 11th December

His work this year does not catch the eye, but the value of him today should not be left underappreciated. Won 7 headers, more than any player on the pitch, and held his position well to allow Rice to maraud forward. Is showing himself as a very good defensive midfielder this year, especially getting stuck into battles well.

Chelsea

3-2: Saturday, 4th December

Defensive wall, but got into the box too when Lanzini balanced the midfield. Good pass over the top for Antonio on the eventual Bowen goal.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1: Wednesday, 1st December

I suspect now he's scored, people will think he's great again, but he has been consistently good defending the backline and a shaky defence would be a mess without him protecting them. The goal was smart because he could have put so much on that but tried to be deft, which worked and got the goal. Active as the shield that stopped Brighton making too many inroads with all that possession.

Manchester City

1-2: Saturday, 27th November

He was good defensively on the deck and in the air, but is going to get a harsher 6 because his passing under pressure was rarely good enough, whilst a few forward passes when he had time and space were a little lacking. He isn't having a bad season, that is people looking too heavily at the goals tallies, but he seems to have suffered a little without Coufal there and can be less than graceful.

Rapid Vienna

2-0: Thursday, 25th November

Controlled the middle well, the odd break through and should have scored with a big chance. Game was easy because players like him could control the opposition.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-1: Saturday, 20th November

Overrun in the middle, undoubtedly. Battled gamely, but he isn't the slickest of passers and needed the help that Lanzini eventually offered.

Liverpool

3-2: Saturday, 6th November

Compared to Rice, it looked a quieter performance. But his defending deep in front of the defence was fantastic and he protected the centre backs and Johnson so well on that side. He wasn’t pushing forward much and let Rice do the roaming, but as almost a fifth centre back, he was brilliant around the box.

Genk

2-2: Thursday, 4th November

(Replaced Noble, 58) Even with the own goal to his name, the influence he had on the team and on Rice is enough to make sure he gets a solid 6. Unfortunate with the goal, the third in his own net of his career, and all for West Ham.

Aston Villa

4-1: Sunday, 31st October

After the ref card, Villa came at West Ham with fire and outrage. The long throws were worrying but Soucek won headers on them, as well as long balls forward. Good passing to spread play too.

Manchester City

0-0: Wednesday, 27th October

Responsible and very combative in midfield, gliding with the ball well moving forward too. His defensive performance was excellent, but loses a little shine with his poor finishing.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0: Sunday, 24th October

Quieter than Rice, but when the team have to fight, Tomas fights. These last few games have proven he has no European Championships hangover either, he was merely playing a different role. The balance has shifted lately to put him in the roaming role and he is catching the eye for it. That said, his best work was protecting the box late on, and the miss in the first half was a blot on his copybook.

KRC Genk

3-0: Thursday, 21st October

A controlled performance of typical Soucek fare. Bustling, battling and bombing forward on occasion. And a lack of finesse at times too.

Everton

1-0: Sunday, 17th October

Absolutely battled in the middle, and had the forward players been better, he and Rice's early dominance would have been key to a comfortable win. Had more freedom in this, Rice staying deeper in midfield than he has most of the season, and it worked for him.

Brentford

1-2: Sunday, 3rd October

Slow and awkward in the first half, he’s lucky his manager has faith in him to perform as he could have been dragged off at half time. Patience was rewarded with a much better second half.

Rapid Vienna

2-0: Thursday, 30th September

(Replaced Noble, 62) Very quiet but was diligent in defensive duties.

Leeds United

2-1: Saturday, 25th September

A first half as poor as he’s played for West Ham, but he recovered his composure in the second half. It helped that Leeds could not keep the tempo up, but Soucek also got into things much better and threatened in the box too.

Manchester United

1-2: Sunday, 19th September

It may be that we have to get used to this as the normal Soucek game. With a front four the standard now, he has less freedom to roam and he also looks short of fitness. If he must play in each Europa and league game, Moyes will have to consider adding a third midfielder to share the load. He was strong defensively, much more active than the quiet Rice, but it takes some adjustment from the box-to-box midfielder of last year.

Dinamo Zagreb

2-0: Thursday, 16th September

It is interesting to see that, even in a game we dominated, Soucek seemed to stay deeper and be more of a defensive juggernaut. 7 aerial duels won, defending his box brilliantly.

Southampton

0-0: Saturday, 11th September

Defensively solid but that header was an easy chance, one he’d have scored last season. Fine margins, but he needs to put those away. His usual self in midfield, calm and simple with the ball, combative and hardworking without.

Crystal Palace

2-2: Saturday, 28th August

Solid if unspectacular; limited in the same way Rice was. Isn’t making his way into the box as much. Either he’s expecting less crosses or is needing to do more defensive work.

Leicester City

4-1: Monday, 23rd August

Worked very well alongside Rice but was definitely the support act. Just calmly played his game, drifting around, playing simple passes, linking moves and then making his way into the area. Yet to carry the threat in the air that he did last year, but it is only two games.

Newcastle United

4-2: Sunday, 15th August

Less of a concern in the first half than Rice or Coufal, Soucek didn’t dominate the game but that goalscoring knack was apparent in how he reacted to the penalty. He got there clear of anyone else, and was unlucky late on to miss out an assist and another goal.

Southampton

3-0: Sunday, 23rd May

As Rice went on and scored, Soucek showed again how dominant he can be as a defensive midfielder. Just stronger and smarter than the Southampton players.

West Bromwich Albion

3-1: Wednesday, 19th May

The goal was exactly the kind he scores. Well, one of two. He’s either dominating in the air or somewhere in the box where defenders have lost him. This was the latter, pulling away to the far post as everyone else watched to see what might happen. He was rewarded for that, and his aerial presence at the back was vital. Won eight headers, double that of Ogbonna, and fought in the middle too. Passing wasn’t always sharp and was tackled a couple times in the middle when he could have done better, but he’s proving himself to be more like an inelegant Vieira than any sort of Fellaini clone.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1: Saturday, 15th May

Tried his best to be everywhere and had a good game. One piledriver blocked looked like it was going in and he did get on the end of a couple crosses. He had to sit in more as Rice’s energy sapped, and as the attackers stopped doing their defensive work. Reads the game well and knows what his side needs from him.

Burnley

2-1: Saturday, 1st May

Soucek the attacking force was quiet, but he did seem able to get up there more as Lanzini covered. It was the battle in the middle and all those headers. Yes he gave away the penalty, and it was a touch clumsy, but it was also a desperate tackle on a man who could have easily scored and trying to save the blushes of others.

Chelsea

0-1: Saturday, 24th April

Were it not for some impressive and important defensive work, it would have been a day to completely forget for the midfielder. Set pieces were poor, and they were his only real chance to get in the box. It may be more effective to play an extra midfielder instead of an extra defender if it allows Soucek to make late runs into the box again. His one moment in the box nearly won a penalty after a dangerous shot. Losing Rice is becoming more catastrophic because we are losing the player Soucek gets to be alongside him.

Newcastle United

2-3: Saturday, 17th April

Battled on gamely, getting into the box yet holding the midfield too. As ever, a little bit awkward sometimes on the ball, but his quality is such that his bad games are nowhere near as poor as others. The bother he causes defenders was enough to earn an innocuous penalty.

Leicester City

3-2: Sunday, 11th April

One assist in a controlled game from Soucek. He bursts forward still, but with more awareness of what is behind him without Rice there. Late on, as Noble went off injured, Soucek became a warrior, throwing himself into tackles and headers, saving his defence on a couple of occasions.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

3-2: Monday, 5th April

Didn’t look quite as comfortable in his game without Rice, which would make sense as he and Noble are slower players and more onus was on Soucek to take the ball out of defence. He had a goal disallowed and created a big chance for Antonio, but was not great under pressure in his own half on the ball.

Arsenal

3-3: Saturday, 20th March

His runs were scaring Arsenal early and it’s his ability to ghost into the box that got him the goal. But the midfield were weak on the ball under pressure and you could see his limitations at times.

Manchester United

0-1: Sunday, 14th March

Made the effort to get into attacks and back to battle in the middle, but his passing was a little sloppy and he was restricted by the way we played.

Leeds United

2-0: Monday, 8th March

In the wars this evening, kicked around by Leeds player and colliding with a post too, but his defensive work in the middle stood out. A little sloppy with his passing, 63% accuracy is not good, but went box-to-box when the game suited it, before settling in to defend when the team required.

Manchester City

1-2: Saturday, 27th February

More active than Dec, with moments in attack to complement strong defensive play. He’s improving on the ball each week, and his awkward look hides a smart and sometimes graceful mover with the ball.

Tottenham Hotspur

2-1: Saturday, 20th February

No influence in attack, but he fought all game defensively. A near 50% pass accuracy is poor, but the aerial duels won, the scrappy tackling and presence at the back stopped many an attack flourishing. More concerned when Coufal went down than when his own head dripped with blood.

Sheffield United

3-0: Monday, 15th February

Wasn’t the influence going forward he has been, but when that happens, he’s usually doing very good defensive work. One tackle in the box in particular saved us from a very good chance for McGoldrick.

Manchester United

0-1: Tuesday, 9th February

Up and down that pitch all day, lord knows where he finds the energy reserves. He was a little further forward than usual in the second half, and whilst it makes sense, he may be less dangerous when he’s not ghosting in as a second option.

Fulham

0-0: Saturday, 6th February

Made a lot of clearances and was forced very deep by our poor ball retention going forward. Maybe could have done better with a first half header. What else to say on the red card? It was so clearly accidental, not reckless and not aggressive.

Aston Villa

3-1: Wednesday, 3rd February

What else can you say about this man? The aerial threat wasn’t there so much today, but he managed to make bursts into the box often whilst still supporting the right side to defend Grealish and his pals. Arguably one of his better games on the ball and passing, he got through plenty defensive work and still managed to take four shots too. Giant of a midfielder on his current form.

Liverpool

1-3: Sunday, 31st January

Didn’t influence the game at all. Not entirely his fault, the team was so anxious on the ball that there was no time for him to do his defensive work and get up and support attacks. But he couldn’t handle Liverpool’s passing either, and they played around him.

Crystal Palace

3-2: Tuesday, 26th January

Didn’t put a foot wrong. The goals were brilliant, the first for its timing of the run, the second for the composure and difficulty of the finish. But he was more than goals, he settled in and defended deep in the second half and nullified Palace through the middle, dominating that battle. He was terrific at both ends and won the game for his side.

Doncaster Rovers

4-0: Saturday, 23rd January

With the short passing and low crossing, Soucek was rarely given chance to shine. Still controlled and patrolled well in the middle and made runs into the box.

West Bromwich Albion

2-1: Tuesday, 19th January

It is interesting that when Soucek sits deeper and gets on the ball more, Rice is comfortable to allow him to play and be his deputy. A lot of long balls out wide to open the play, his passing has definitely improved with his growing confidence. Still a bit clumsy when dribbling, but he dominated the middle and did well aerially in defence too.

Burnley

1-0: Saturday, 16th January

Whilst quieter as an attacking threat in this game, he thrived defensively against Burnley’s more rudimental approach. He was aggressive in the tackle, won eight headers and did a lot to stop the physical threat of the opponents.

Stockport County

1-0: Monday, 11th January

(Replaced Lanzini, 68) Made the difference. Had an authority about him as he consistently got on the ball and looked for openings, whilst his runs into the box were a threat unlike any that Stockport had faced from a poor West Ham attack.

Everton

1-0: Friday, 1st January

He gets credit for pushing himself and keeping his levels up as others seemed to dip in their forward play. More passes than anyone in the team, defended strongly, especially in the air, but still found the energy to influence the attack. Those late driving runs are what won the game. They don't always get the reward, but he kept going and this time he got it.

Southampton

0-0: Tuesday, 29th December

With concerns about the schedule on the energy of this team, Soucek made a mockery of that with an all-action performance. Strong in defence, yet arguably the most potent attacking threat.

Brighton & Hove Albion

2-2: Saturday, 26th December

Neither West Ham goal happens without him, yet he still managed to do his defensive work in midfield and get up and down the pitch all game. Only blemish is his defensive header for Brighton's second was not good enough. It's his run and presence that causes the first equaliser, whilst his goal was a reward for always making the right run and being such a threat in those situations.

Chelsea

0-3: Monday, 21st December

Fought well and was able to support both defence and attack. Nothing decisive and it did become difficult for him to cover the ground required.

Crystal Palace

1-1: Tuesday, 15th December

Whilst his attacking instincts were limited, he fought well in the middle and bailed out the defence, most notably down the left when Zaha looked like a real threat in the West Ham area.

Leeds United

2-1: Friday, 11th December

It's rarely pretty with Tomas, but he scraps diligently in the middle, wins big headers and has a knack for scoring goals. Bowen to the back post this time and Soucek was bigger, stronger and wanted it more. Then the discipline kicks in, a big unit stopping attacks and refusing to lose the battle in the middle. It worked again.

Manchester United

1-3: Saturday, 5th December

Fought well in the first half and disrupted his opponents, although he most definitely should have been booked for one lunging tackle from behind, and then he popped up with a clever run to score his goal. On the ball, he was still limited and slow, but his first half job was brilliant. In the second half, Mata and Fernandes dropping in to help Pogba and McTominay was too much for him.

Aston Villa

2-1: Saturday, 28th November

Other than some clearing headers, Soucek had a poor game. He can be a touch lumbering, and the quick feet of Luiz, McGinn and Grealish in the middle were too much for him. Dug in, restricted his running in the deeper two and wasn't a problem to carry, but not his greatest game.

Sheffield United

1-0: Sunday, 22nd November

Neat and tidy today, his one real moment on the attack standing out for just how bad a miss it was. A few good clearances and worked well in there, but a rather calm and middling performance.

Fulham

1-0: Saturday, 7th November

Struggled in his midfield play defensively, the extra man Fulham had and their quick and neat short passing often got round him. But he took his goal excellently, placing it in the corner almost like Sheringham would.

Liverpool

1-2: Saturday, 31st October

A defensive game mainly for Tomas, he was strong and disruptive in the middle, protecting the defence well. Won a lot of headers, made a lot of tackles. Good shield with Rice.

Manchester City

1-1: Saturday, 24th October

Wasn’t as ambitious going forward and sat deep. As ever, there’s a weakness in his passing, but the little simple things go well and he does his job defensively.

Tottenham Hotspur

3-3: Sunday, 18th October

Lack of pace was an issue at times, but his threat in the area caused Spurs issues all game long, enough for Mourinho to compare him to Fellaini at the end of the game.

Leicester City

3-0: Sunday, 4th October

Gets through a lot of gritty work in midfield which is helping Rice have the freedom to play better passes and go forward. Four tackles, three interceptions, four clearances and a nuisance at set pieces.

Newcastle United

0-2: Saturday, 12th September

The one in midfield who made some sort of impression. Came very close with a header, cleaned up defensively a few times too.

Brentford

2-1: Saturday, 29th August

(Replaced Wilshere, 45) Within six months of arriving in England the Czech has become one of West Ham United's most important players. Another goal to add to his portfolio won't do his confidence any harm at all.

Ipswich Town

4-1: Tuesday, 25th August

n/a

Aston Villa

1-1: Sunday, 26th July

Somewhat of a non-entity in attacking areas, although the poor play and crossing delay is more to blame, he did some quiet and unspectacular defensive work to keep things tight. Another game that proves he’s not just a tall target to hit.

Manchester United

1-1: Wednesday, 22nd July

His versatility is clear. This game, he was barely a presence in the opposition third, instead staying much more disciplined and holding deeper. He was good there too, making important interceptions and clearances.

Watford

3-1: Friday, 17th July

The comparisons to Fellaini are actually unfair on Soucek: he is a better footballer than the Belgian. More mobile, better with the ball, smarter in the tackle. Soucek is a true find and pivotal to turning relegation doubts into survival.

Burnley

0-1: Wednesday, 8th July

If anything was going to happen, it really did seem like Soucek would be the one to force it. He drove into the box, had shots outside, made big tackles and worked hard

Chelsea

3-2: Wednesday, 1st July

Impressive. He made a physical nuisance of himself in midfield and is clearly a determined tackler. His aerial threat turned the game in his side’s favour; it is clear he should have had two goals.

Aston Villa

1-1: Sunday, 26th July

Somewhat of a non-entity in attacking areas, although the poor play and crossing delay is more to blame, he did some quiet and unspectacular defensive work to keep things tight. Another game that proves he’s not just a tall target to hit.

Manchester United

1-1: Wednesday, 22nd July

His versatility is clear. This game, he was barely a presence in the opposition third, instead staying much more disciplined and holding deeper. He was good there too, making important interceptions and clearances.

Watford

3-1: Friday, 17th July

The comparisons to Fellaini are actually unfair on Soucek: he is a better footballer than the Belgian. More mobile, better with the ball, smarter in the tackle. Soucek is a true find and pivotal to turning relegation doubts into survival.

Burnley

0-1: Wednesday, 8th July

If anything was going to happen, it really did seem like Soucek would be the one to force it. He drove into the box, had shots outside, made big tackles and worked hard

Chelsea

3-2: Wednesday, 1st July

Impressive. He made a physical nuisance of himself in midfield and is clearly a determined tackler. His aerial threat turned the game in his side’s favour; it is clear he should have had two goals.

Tottenham Hotspur

0-2: Tuesday, 23rd June

Where once he was getting into the area and looking a nuisance, lately he has been too deep. He is solid, but unspectacular. The own goal was extremely unfortunate.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-2: Saturday, 20th June

Whilst he made a couple good tackles and interceptions, he was reasonably anonymous and it came to a point where he looked like he might have been selected only for defending set pieces.

Manchester City

0-2: Wednesday, 19th February

He did make the effort to push forward and support Antonio at times, but it appeared too much after a while. One header in the area to Antonio was smart, he battled in the middle too, but it was a hopeless task.

Brighton & Hove Albion

3-3: Saturday, 1st February

Impressive until he went quiet in the second half. He looked to make the team work, suddenly bringing balance. Strong, full of running, but also neat in his passing and clever with one touch layoffs. Got close to Haller, the first central midfielder to do that since September. A real positive.
Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

Tomas Soucek did not play for West Ham during this season.

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