West Ham are halfway through their 2020/21 Premier League season, so it is a good time to have a look at who could be in the running for Hammer of the Year. There are two clear candidates so far and potentially one name that could be in the running come the end of the season.
Last year West Ham awarded the Hammer of the Year award to Declan Rice after his stellar campaign. The Englishman was a big factor in the club staying in the Premier League with his performances.
The Favourite – Angelo Ogbonna
During the summer transfer window, West Ham were desperately trying to sign a new centre-back. There was panic over James Tarkowski and Wesley Fofana’s failed moves before Craig Dawson signed, as a back-up. Fast forward to now the team look as strong as ever. One big reason for this new-found solidity is the form of Angelo Ogbonna.
The Italian has been a rock in the middle of the backline. Ogbonna has returned to his best at a crucial time for the Hammers. The team have only conceded 22 goals so far this season, meaning they have one of the league’s toughest defences. Ogbonna has made 90 clearances the most out of any player in the League.
Angelo Ogbonna has been in outstanding form for West Ham this season and should be the favourite for Hammer of the Year.
Ogbonna has been impressive in every type of system David Moyes has deployed this season. The manager has switched between a five-back and four-back. The veteran seamlessly adapted to both and didn’t drop the levels of his performances.
As well as contributing enormously in the defence Ogbonna has made a difference going forward. The defender has scored two goals in the Premier League, including the winner against Leeds at Elland Road.
The Match Winner – Tomas Soucek
Very close behind Ogbonna is Tomas Soucek. The Czech has proven to be one of the best transfers the club has pulled off since the move to the London Stadium. Soucek grew into the team last season, and in this current campaign, he has taken his performances to another level.
Soucek has become the perfect partner for Rice and helps the Englishman defend the backline with great success. The midfielder has made the third most amount of tackles for the Hammers this season (33) and has played every minute of Premier League action this season.
Protecting the defence is not the only skill in Soucek’s arsenal. The towering midfielder has a knack of scoring crucial goals. Soucek scored winning goals against Fulham and Everton as well as the equaliser against Leeds.
The 25-year-old has scored 5 goals this season and is tied for the club’s top scorer in the League. Only Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen have matched Soucek’s goalscoring exploits. The goals scored by Soucek were made more vital due to the misfiring of Sebastien Haller. The Ivorian was unable to fill the void left by Antonio.
Soucek may not be the favourite for the Hammer of the Year award but would be no less deserving than anyone else. There is also the added bonus that Soucek has also become somewhat of a scout for the club to great success.
Fans have fallen in love with Soucek, and he is certainly a fan favourite despite only being at the club for almost a year. The highlight was certainly his comments post-Everton about missing out on potato salad during the Christmas period.
Due to the Czech Republic International’s good form, he has started to attract interest from elsewhere. Most notably Bayern Munich. The club, however, are already planning a new bumper deal for Soucek to keep him at the club.
The Outsider – Vladimir Coufal
Signed after an injury to Ryan Fredericks, Vladimir Coufal has quickly become one of the first names on the team sheet. The 28-year-old was suggested by fellow countryman Soucek and has not disappointed one bit.
Coufal has added extra steel to the West Ham defence, especially as the club has struggled with full-backs in recent years. The 28-year-old was thrown into the deep end after he was signed and started his first game against Leicester City a day after he joined. Coufal was brilliant in the game and helped shut out one of the best teams in the league.
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The performance was not a flash in the pan, and the defender has continued to his stunning performances whenever he takes to the pitch. Despite not being a Hammer at the start of the season, Coufal has made more tackles than anyone else in the team (43).
Like Soucek and Ogbonna, Coufal has been contributing at both ends of the pitch. The Czech Republic international has assisted 3 goals in the Premier League, second only behind a resurgent Aaron Cresswell (4).
Just like Soucek, fans have taken to Coufal like one of their own. The defender’s no-nonsense defending and classy attacking ability combines together perfectly for the modern-day full-back. The defender has played a lot of football already but shows no signs of slowing down. If Coufal continues, he will quickly become a cult-hero of the club.
While Ogbonna and Soucek are the clear front-runners for the award, Coufal could sneak himself into the conversation if he continues his fine form. One thing that is guaranteed is that the defender will be walking away with the ‘signing of the season’ award.
Some names could be in the running such as Bowen and Antonio. The two forwards are battling Soucek for the top scorer award which will always grant an advantage for the award. Plus, Rice has been superb as usual and will be involved in the conversation at the end of the season.