How £19.1 million exit-linked star has become Hammers best player

In the final week of the summer transfer window, West Ham agreed the loan moves for James Ward-Prowse, Kurt Zouma, Maxwel Cornet and Nayef Aguerd as part of their huge squad overhaul. Alongside them, another Hammers star was also rumoured to be leaving the London Stadium ahead of the new season despite staying with Julen Lopetegui's squad. The player is 29-year-old defensive midfielder Tomas Soucek, who has now become one of West Ham's best players at the beginning of the season.

However, that wasn't the case during the transfer window, when it seemed highly likely that Soucek will be West Ham's third choice holding midfielder after Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez. Moreover, Soucek doesn't possess a wide range of passing and often struggles to advance the ball forward while playing against high-pressing tactics. Despite that, Soucek has shown incredible work ethic and defensive composure this season, mostly playing in a double pivot role ahead of the defence.

How £19.1 million exit-linked star has become Hammers best player

In the recent matches against Brentford and Ipswich Town, Soucek displayed his much improved passing to create spaces for Bowen and Kudus on both flanks. While Alvarez and Rodriguez have struggled to keep up with the pace of Premier League's world-class playmakers, Soucek's tenacious tackling and experience has been an invaluable asset for the defence. Moreover, Soucek’s finishing near the box is impressive and the Czech Republic international has already scored two important league goals for the Hammers.

With his brilliant form in the new season, Soucek has again highlighted his importance for West Ham, who would now want to continue their winning momentum after the international break. In the eighth league matchday, Julen Lopetegui's side will face Tottenham Hotspurs in a huge away fixture where Soucek will have to play a key role again to secure the three points from this massive Premier League game.