Frank Lampard has told Julen Lopetegui that a West Ham scapegoat can be ‘unplayable’ as he shows his true worth.
When unveiling 18-year-old Luis Guilherme as the club’s first signing of the post David Moyes era, technical director Tim Steidten made it clear West Ham will be rebuilt around young, exciting players.
Versatility to play in different positions was also highlighted by Steidten as a key factor in his recruitment this summer.
Two players expected to suffer as a result of Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham rebuild are James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek.
So often a scapegoat during difficult times, Soucek, has never hidden at West Ham.
But he and Ward-Prowse have both had their positions in the team questioned after the arrival of Lopetegui.
There is a view among many West Ham fans that Soucek is found wanting on the ball, making it difficult to get fluidity through the midfield.
That’s despite another 10-goal season in which he stopped West Ham conceding many more.
Soucek the go-to West Ham scapegoat for some
Whatever your stance on Soucek, though, one thing seems clear.
The midfielder will have to fight to prove himself to his new boss perhaps a little bit more than a number of others in the Hammers squad.
But he won widespread praise for his performance at the Euros last night.
Frank Lampard has told Lopetegui that the West Ham scapegoat can be ‘unplayable’ as Soucek shows his true worth.
Lining up as captain of Czech Republic against one of the Euro 2024 favourites Portugal looked a thankless task for the West Ham man.
Lopetegui will undoubtedly have been a very interested spectator given Vladimir Coufal was playing too.
And Soucek showed the Spaniard exactly what he brings to the West Ham side.
The Czechs put in a valiant effort as they defended doggedly and took a 1-0 lead.
Portugal equalised but Czech Republic looked on course for a hard-earned point thanks to Soucek.
Lampard tells Lopetegui Soucek can be ‘unplayable’
On three separate occasions Soucek produced brave and brilliant last ditch defensive headers to deny Cristiano Ronaldo what would have been almost certain goals.
It was a sight West Ham fans are well used to.
He also left Ronaldo in a heap clutching his face after beating him in one particular aerial duel.
Besides that Soucek put in his usual ultra disciplined display, sticking to the game plan and tactics selflessly.
When the West Ham man had the ball he moved it on efficiently with no frills. Although it was not quite enough as late heartbreak saw the Czechs lose in the closing stages.
Co-commentator Danny Murphy was full of praise for Soucek’s performance during the match.
And former West Ham academy graduate Frank Lampard also waxed lyrical about Soucek.
His words may be well worth reading for Lopetegui too.
Super Tom shows his true worth to new boss
“We know from the Premier League back home, a very consistent performer,” Lampard said on BBC.
“Great positional discipline, plays in midfield, knows his role, and then the added bit to his game, which is slightly unique as a midfield player – he can arrive and his aerial threat.
“I think six out of their 12 goals in qualifying were set pieces. I have gone up against him in set pieces with my teams, and he is one of those players you know if the delivery is right and he is there, you can’t do much about it.
“He is one of those. He is technically very good with it and his pure height. Also, a good player. Good energy.”
Sometimes the grass isn’t always greener with other players who might not care or give as much as Soucek.
That is a big decision for Lopetegui to make this summer.
You can check out highlights of Soucek’s performance against Portugal below.