Former footballer and pundit Don Hutchison has issued a strong public plea for West Ham United to secure the future of midfielder Tomas Soucek, describing the player as 'priceless' to the club's ambitions.
Hutchison's passionate plea for Soucek
Speaking to Sports Casting, Hutchison argued that the last thing West Ham should do is consider letting the powerhouse midfielder leave when his contract expires. He emphasised Soucek's deep connection with the club and its supporters.
'I do think West Ham should do everything they can to keep Soucek,' Hutchison stated. 'He's got this affinity with West Ham.'
Hutchison highlighted the now-famous 'helicopter celebration', explaining that Soucek created it as a personal mechanism to lift himself out of a period of feeling 'really down and really depressed'. This insight into the player's mentality underscores his resilience and commitment.
Why Soucek is indispensable for West Ham
Hutchison drew a comparison to his former teammate, John Moncur, not in playing style but in their shared attitude. He praised Soucek's unparalleled versatility and team-first approach.
'You can bring him off the bench, you can start him in a game and you can play 45 minutes, or you can play him for an hour, or you could rest him, drop him and give him the last half an hour or 40,' Hutchison said. 'He's just happy to wear the shirt. Sometimes those guys are priceless and they're worth keeping around.'
This endorsement comes at a crucial time. After a period of inconsistent form, the 30-year-old Czech international has rediscovered his influence under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Soucek, who rejected a summer exit, was instrumental in securing back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season, illustrating his return to being a key figure.
A core player for the Nuno era
Soucek's value extends far beyond his on-pitch contributions. He is a recognised leader in the dressing room, a winner of silverware with the club, and possesses vital experience in competing for European places.
The appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo, a pragmatic manager with a profile similar to former boss David Moyes, appears to have benefitted Soucek. The manager is reportedly a huge fan of the midfielder, seeing him as part of the core group to build his team around.
Hutchison's analysis suggests that replacing a player of Soucek's calibre and specific attributes would be a costly and uncertain endeavour. While he may not be a long-term fixture, his presence provides the stability and proven quality that a new manager needs to establish a successful project at the London Stadium.
