West Ham have better options in central midfield following Tomas Soucek’s poor performance in Czechia’s 4-1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Georgia on Saturday (September 7).
Speaking exclusively to Soccer4U, ex-West Ham striker Frank McAvennie admits he’s ‘surprised’ to see the 29-year-old still playing for the club and Julen Lopetegui should instead turn to one of the club’s new signings.
It was a busy summer transfer window at the London Stadium – two central midfielders were signed among nine new first-team players.
World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez joined on a free transfer from Spanish side Real Betis and Carlos Soler signed on loan from French giants PSG.
West Ham need to move on from Tomas Soucek
Soucek has started two of West Ham’s opening three Premier League games, scoring the opener in their 2-0 away victory over Crystal Palace.
He’s been a vital part of the team since moving from Czech club Slavia Prague back in January 2020, making 211 appearances and scoring 33 goals.
“They’ve got loads of midfield players”, McAvennie told Football Insider.
“I can’t say that just one will come in, they’ve signed new midfield players, and I’m surprised to see Soucek still playing to be honest.
Not as in not playing for West Ham, but getting a start ahead of these guys.
“There is no doubting his ability, he scores goals but he hasn’t been doing it for West Ham.
“The last could of games have been an improvement, he’s been hitting the box and been trying to get the old Soucek back.
He was awful in the international break so we will see, there are good players to come in and I’m looking forward to seeing all the new players starting.”
