The Czech Robot arrived on loan from Slavia Prague near the end of the January transfer window and immediately became a leader in the Hammer’s midfield.
West Ham supporters got their first glimpse of Soucek in the 3-3 draw against Brighton at the beginning of February as he surprisingly played in the advanced role in a midfield trio with Mark Noble and Declan Rice. His rampaging runs forward and aerial presence would foreshadow his exploits much later in the season.
The midfielder followed up his strong debut with a performance against Manchester City that further endeared him to his new supporters and his manager as he covered 13.1km on the pitch, more than any West Ham player had in the previous six years.
Soucek was an absolute presence the following week as he dominated aerially during the first half against eventual champions Liverpool before being subbed off with an injury at halftime as the Irons eventually fell apart on Merseyside.
More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham
- Brighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?
- West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer stand
- Lucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talks
- Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaos
- West Ham near Denis Zakaria transfer after final James Ward-Prowse bid
The Czech was one of the lone standouts of the first two matches after Project Restart as his tireless work rate stood out in a couple of flat performances against Wolves and Tottenham.
The following week against Chelsea, Soucek’s determination and leadership would play an important role in the match that was the turning point in West Ham’s relegation battle. In typical West Ham fashion, the club conceded a penalty after having a Soucek goal ruled out controversially for offside.
Over the past several years, the club would have become undone after such a turn of events, but the Czech Robot wasn’t burdened by the past as he headed home shortly before halftime to drag the Hammer’s back into the match as the club eventually won a thriller with a 90th-minute goal.
With key goals against Newcastle and Watford down the stretch, Soucek showed his value to West Ham as the box to box midfielder that the club has desperately needed since Cheikhou Kouyaté was at his heyday in East London.
At 6’4″ his intimidating physical presence and ability to run for days filled such an important need for a midfield that was often out-muscled and overrun and had become far too reliant on Rice to fill too many gaps.
Soucek’s reliability also allowed Rice to flourish as he was able to show different facets to his game with a dependable partner alongside him and the two of them will be a formidable pairing if West Ham can hold onto the England international.
Including his initial loan fee, the Czech international completed his move to East London for £19million with the midfielder showing a passion to become a major factor for West Ham for the foreseeable future.
It’s a bit hard to believe finding a player who has shown such value for a relatively modest price, but hopefully, his signing represents West Ham’s new transfer approach.
For supporters, Soucek embodies the type of player that represents the West Ham Way with his genuine desire and passion to be at the club, his tireless work rate on the pitch and his ability to contribute at both ends. Expectations are high for the Czech robot going into the new campaign, but I fully expect him to deliver. Season Grade: A.