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#WHUFC | Analysis: Tomáš Souček. The Czech midfielder was brilliant from start to finish last night and showed a promising partnership with Declan Rice. This thread analyses his influential performance vs Chelsea and the positive impact he's had since his arrival 
Stats vs Chelsea:
63% passing accuracy
4/6 ground duels won
8/13 aerial duels won
4 clearances
3 interceptions
3 tackles
63% passing accuracy
4/6 ground duels won
8/13 aerial duels won
4 clearances
3 interceptions
3 tackles
1. Aerial threat
Standing at just under 6'3, Souček provides an added aerial threat for West Ham. The midfielder's ability to win aerial duels is a key component that helps to complement Rice's ball carrying tendencies.
- Diop, Ogbonna & Souček work as a three here.
Standing at just under 6'3, Souček provides an added aerial threat for West Ham. The midfielder's ability to win aerial duels is a key component that helps to complement Rice's ball carrying tendencies.
- Diop, Ogbonna & Souček work as a three here.
Chelsea's inability to defend set-pieces was evident throughout. Lampard's side have conceded 12 goals from set pieces this season. Moyes did his homework and Souček was one of three focal points. As before:
- Diop occupies front post
- Ogbonna drifts centrally
- Souček back-post
- Diop occupies front post
- Ogbonna drifts centrally
- Souček back-post
2. Defensive distribution
Souček's ability to get around the pitch was fundamental in West Ham's win. The 25-year-old's pressure allowed Rice to maintain a central position, complementing his game. As you can see here:
- Noble presses
- Souček is in a deeper position
Souček's ability to get around the pitch was fundamental in West Ham's win. The 25-year-old's pressure allowed Rice to maintain a central position, complementing his game. As you can see here:
- Noble presses
- Souček is in a deeper position
West Ham's defeat against Wolves was mainly due to the away side's dominance in midfield. Noble's absence allowed Souček to press in a wider position suited the 25-year-old's game & added further defensive stability.
- Souček presses Kovacic
- Rice stays central
- Souček presses Kovacic
- Rice stays central
As shown by Souček's heat-map from last night's performance, he predominantly covered the right-hand side to protect Fredricks as Chelsea attempted to overload that side with Kovacic drifting wide to support Pulisic.
West Ham's narrow & compact defensive shape forced Chelsea to play wide rather than through their talented central midfielders. The introduction of Wilshere added further variability to the midfield.
- Souček wins the header
- Rice clears
- Counter attack
- Souček wins the header
- Rice clears
- Counter attack
West Ham looked more defensively solid without Noble, who occasionally costs the team with his positional awareness - leaving Rice & Souček to shoulder responsibility. Walker plays a simple pass to Silva:
- Souček presses
- Noble should have come narrower to force Walker wide
- Souček presses
- Noble should have come narrower to force Walker wide
3. Versatility
Souček's ability to play in different roles presents him as an important player. West Ham have lacked a box-to-box midfielder, but the Czech international's versatility makes him capable of playing a more advanced role.
Souček's ability to play in different roles presents him as an important player. West Ham have lacked a box-to-box midfielder, but the Czech international's versatility makes him capable of playing a more advanced role.
Summary:
Souček provides a different dimension
His versatility suits alternative game plans
Rice & Souček complemented each other
Souček provides a different dimension
His versatility suits alternative game plans
Rice & Souček complemented each other
RT's appreciated as always
