Despite West Ham’s unfortunate 3-0 defeat in a London derby against Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side, Tomas Soucek came in for widespread praise on Twitter – and not solely from Irons fans.
The Czech defensive midfielder, who is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, has been an integral anchor man in David Moyes’ setup since he made his switch from Slavia Praha permanent over the summer.
The 25-year-old is already a seasoned international, having scored four times for his country in 30 appearances, but has also featured 27 times for the Hammers in less than a full season of Premier League football.
The Czech international has also proven to be a useful source of goals for the Hammers, with six for the club since his arrival earlier in the year. Despite being a defensive midfielder, Soucek is adeptly offensive in the right situations – especially where set pieces are concerned.
Despite a 3-0 defeat superficially seeming like a lacklustre loss, Soucek was a standout performer in a side which ultimately lacked a clinical edge. It was clear that the Hammers looked reliant on set pieces to create chances, of which Soucek is a specialist in making the best of them.
The 25-year-old won eight headers in a display which saw him described as a “man mountain” on Twitter. Indeed, his WhoScored rating far exceeded that of midfield colleague Declan Rice, who is being linked with an £80m move to Chelsea, as per the Daily Star.
These fans across the footballing world took to Twitter to voice their praise for Soucek’s Stamford Bridge showing…
Twitter: Honest thoughts on Tomas Soucek tonight? Man Mountain IMO (@HammersDotNews)
Twitter: @COYIRONS Coufal, Rice and Soucek…..current form then wouldn’t swap them for anyone in the same position. (@malone_pete)
Twitter: @JoeWilliams_07 @elliotwhu Maybe he was, I thought noble was better today. But, even still Soucek was better than R… https://t.co/nyEVSIfZNd (@Hcafc1904j)
Twitter: @sfcdannnn soucek has been streets ahead of ward prowse. JWP’s set pieces are second to none but his impact on open… https://t.co/9dXbHntO71 (@mawkutd)
Twitter: Beware of Tomas Soucek, I can’t believe I’m saying this. (@Mosaku_tolu)
Twitter: @Aqeel__________ @ConnCFC Not even their best midfielder. Soucek is clear. (@UtdSub)
