West Ham United will attempt to get over the disappointment of losing to Arsenal despite producing an incredibly impressive display when David Moyes’ side face Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend. The Hammers’ boss revealed before last weekend’s clash with the Gunners that Tomas Soucek was making a speedy recovery from a hip injury and that he was “doing very well” and was “just about close to match fit”. It is perfect timing for the Czech Republic international’s return as Wolves may be weary, having played in the Europa League in Greece on Thursday evening.
Moyes has previously revealed that in the loss to Manchester City Soucek, valued at £13.5m (Transfermarkt), ran further than any West Ham player has done for six years, covering 13.1km against the Premier League champions. The Hammers will require equal levels of energy and enthusiasm if they are to overcome the weekend’s opponents who have lost just six times in the Premier League this season. Only Liverpool have tasted defeat on fewer occasions, one, and if West Ham are to break down their opponents then Soucek’s industry in the engine room will be crucial.
Having previously boasted an incredible strike rate from midfield with Slavia Prague, scoring eight in 17 league appearances at the start of the season, Soucek has been unable to find the net so far for the Hammers, as per WhoScored. However, what he has shown on his four Premier League outings is that the midfielder is adept at recovering possession, recording two tackles and interceptions per game. Additionally, he has also recorded three clearances per match, highlighting the outstanding defensive side of his game.
Wolves do not possess a large squad, and manager Nuno Espirito Santo previously admitted he does not have the option to rotate like other managers. So, on Sunday Soucek must take advantage of the opposition potentially flagging to harry Wolves into conceding possession in dangerous areas. While he has not yet been able to score his first West Ham goal, the Czech international can dominate for the Hammers and provide the forwards with openings. If he does turn over the ball in the Wolverhampton third, there is a strong chance it could lead to his first Premier League assist and a decisive three points in the relegation battle.
