West Ham scapegoat Tomas Soucek admits playing alongside teammate is not good for his reputation
When times have been tough for West Ham in the Premier League over the last 18 months Tomas Soucek has often been the scapegoat.
Thankfully for West Ham when the going gets tough selfless Tomas Soucek gets going.
The big Czech had found himself being questioned by many Hammers fans.
He was even ludicrously jeered off against Crystal Palace during one dismal run of defeats last season.
Some feel Soucek’s lack of ability on the ball hampers West Ham in terms of the style of play and approach.
When West Ham go through dips in form – as they did for the first two months of 2024 – Soucek is often a scapegoat for much of the criticism.
Humble Soucek makes big West Ham admission
Despite not putting away a couple of presentable chances, Soucek put in one of his best performances of the season in the win over Brentford on Monday night.
West Ham’s selfless giant has been humble enough to admit he and his teammates are fighting a losing battle living up to the standards of midfield partner Lucas Paqueta.
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The Brazilian magnifico was back in the West Ham team for the Brentford game after nearly two months out.
And it showed as he dazzled to help the team to their first win of the year at the ninth attempt.
West Ham United v Nottingham Forest – Premier League
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Paqueta so good he makes teammates look average
Now West Ham scapegoat Soucek admits playing alongside Paqueta is not good for his reputation.
Super Tom says he doesn’t look so super next to West Ham’s real Superman Paqueta.
“We know his quality,” Soucek said, as reported by The Evening Standard.
“He’s a different (level) of player to all of us. It’s sometimes difficult to play next to him (because he is so much better)!
“He’s a top player, his quality is unbelievable. He can keep the ball, he connect perfectly with Emerson with his passes and he can add something extra.
“I’m happy for him. He came back and straight away we won so hopefully he can stay fit for the next games.”
Modest Soucek key but Hammers so much better with Paqueta
Soucek is spot on of course. But there’s no shame in it given Paqueta is one of the best midfielders in Europe.
But he is being overly modest as he has been much more like his old self this season.
That shows in his statistics. Not only is he absolutely vital defensively, he has chipped in with eight goals and an assist so far this season.
And he played the key passes which set West Ham on their way for three of the four goals against Brentford.
Paqueta’s unrivalled influence on this West Ham team is clear, though.
The Hammers have not won any of the seven league matches Paqueta has missed this term, compared to a record of 11 wins in 19 with him in the side.
