TOMAS SOUCEK has stunned West Ham’s coaching staff by becoming their Running Man.
The Czech international will make his third appearance for relegation-threatened Hammers at Liverpool tonight — after joining on loan from Slavia Prague with a view to a permanent deal.
Tomas Soucek covered more ground than any other player had managed at the club for the last six years against CityCredit: Rex Features
After the 2-0 loss at Manchester City five days ago, West Ham’s analysis department were stunned to discover that he covered more ground than any other player had managed at the club for the last SIX YEARS.
Against City, Soucek, 24, ran 13.1km — just over eight miles.
Some cynical West Ham fans may argue some of the club’s players have not exactly run themselves into the ground in recent years.
Manager David Moyes said: “We believe Tomas ran more the other night than any West Ham player has for six years.
“Which you have to say for someone who’s just arrived at the club is an incredible stat. It’s not all about running but it’s a big part of it and it certainly helps.
“I think his numbers were just so big. I had a feeling when we signed him that it was one of his strengths.
“We had talked about needing some legs, a bit more energy, running, covering the ground more.
“And he’s a goal threat. Against Brighton he had a couple of chances and the other night was nearly on the end of one.”
Tomas is young. But if we can get goals — plus the energy he has got — it’s been shown he’s bringing something to the table.
West Ham manager David Moyes
Soucek made six appearances for the Czech side in the group stages of the Champions League this season — up against Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.
His stats were impressive in all of the matches and he also scored against both Dortmund and Inter.
Right now, West Ham need all the help they can get.
They have not won in the league since Moyes’ first game back in charge, a 4-0 victory over Bournemouth on New Year’s Day.
Moyes added: “We’re in a tough period and we’re trying to gather some positives from it.
“Hopefully one or two of the young players can have an impact.
“Tomas is young. But if we can get goals — plus the energy he has got — it’s been shown he’s bringing something to the table.”
And Moyes claims he will take something from the way Atletico Madrid frustrated Liverpool in their 1-0 Champions League win.
He added: “I thought they did a very good job to make it difficult.
“If you just look at the way they defend their box, they were really hard to beat.”
If West Ham are going to get anything tonight — and they will be without crocked defender Ryan Fredericks — then they will have to improve at the back.
The number of goals conceded has been the most frustrating thing for Moyes since he returned. In his nine games in all competitions, the Hammers have let in 14.
Moyes (left) said: “I think we are starting to defend much better. We have not been as wide open as we have been in the past.
“But we have conceded a couple of goals through set- pieces, which is really disappointing.
“We have to make our own luck and be better with the ball — but I don’t think I can question the boys over their discipline.
“I think we have got some games coming up which will give us the opportunity to pick up points.
“Even Liverpool. We have to look at it as an opportunity.”
West Ham’s players will wear shirts in the warm-up in tribute to Bobby Moore, who died 27 years ago today aged 51.
Moyes added: “He is a legendary figure and rightly so.
“He’s still the only skipper who has lifted the World Cup for England — and as a Scotsman that’s not easy for me to say.
“He will always be someone who is remembered fondly at this club.”
Sam Allardyce says West Ham will stay up but only if fans stand by them
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
