TOMAS SOUCEK admits he was flattered with comparisons to Marouane Fellaini by Jose Mourinho.
The Czech Republic international played a crucial role in West Ham’s astonishing Premier League comeback from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Tottenham last week.
Hammers’ midfield anchorman Tomas Soucek was delighted to hear Spurs boss Jose Mourinho liken him to Belgium’s Marouane FellainiCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Marouane Fellaini, now with China’s Shandong Luneng, was known for his Premier League aerial dominance in midfield for Everton and Man UtdCredit: Alamy Live News
It led to Spurs boss Mourinho hailing Soucek, before telling Hammers manager David Moyes: ‘He has found in Soucek his new Fellaini.’
And speaking of the links between himself and the former Everton and Manchester United midfielder, Soucek admitted: “I take these words very positively.
“I know what a player he was and still is and his career is nice.
I think he took his name in my similar ability especially when I fight in the air.”
However, Soucek has warned against those who see a weakness in his slender 6ft4 frame.
He added: “Lots of people told me that it would be hard with my frame in the Premier League but I did not think so.
“I believe that my strength is inside me.
“I don’t have to show how big my hands are but when my body is strong inside and I am ready to fight on the pitch or in the head it is not as important as how I look.”
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