Czech is in post for Irons goals
DAVID MOYES is tipping Tomas Soucek to hit double figures again – and keep West Ham’s glory charge burning bright.
The Czech midfielder has been far from his best since the summer’s European Championship, failing to reach the heights of last season when he rattled in 10 goals for the East Londoners.
Soucek’s strike in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday, which helped defeat six-time champions Sevilla in sensational style, was only his fifth of 2021-22.
But Moyes is increasingly optimistic that his tally will be considerably higher come the end of May.
Ahead of today’s trip to Tottenham, Moyes admitted: “Anyone who watched us regularly will know Tomas has been so good for us over the previous year to 18 months.
“Maybe, on the back of the Euros, he’s now coming up for some air.
“You look at the England squad after the summer. Declan Rice is probably their most consistent performer this season. A lot of the others have taken a long time to get back on it.
“I’d put Tomas in that category. But he’s come up with two goals recently – one against Wolves a few weeks ago and a huge one on Thursday. And he probably should’ve had another one.
“That’s more like the Tomas we know. The levels of his play, generally, have improved greatly over the last few weeks. That’s a great sign. He’s now on five goals this season, so there’s still time for him to get those other ones.”
The Irons have great memories of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after last season’s incredible 3-3 draw there, having been three down with eight minutes to go.
It was an extraordinary result that, according to Moyes, proved pivotal in them becoming an authentic top-six outfit – and securing Europa League qualification.
“Managers will tell you that sometimes there are things that completely change the outcome of a season,” said Moyes, whose side have drawn French club Lyon in the Europa League last eight. “That game was huge for confidence and momentum.
“The quality of the last goal from Manuel Lanzini and the timing of it was a big moment – and an upturn from where we were.”