With big changes expected in the Hammer’s midfield this season, it’s a potentially make or break season for Tomáš Souček.

The Czech Republic Captain helped West Ham to win their first European trophy in 58 years and, better yet, he did it in his hometown.

Like a lot of our players, it’s been a difficult season for Souček. He found himself performing poorly and getting his fair share of criticism. He seemed like a shadow of his former self. That was until Moyes moved Paqueta into a deeper role and allowed Soucek to be more of a box to box midfielder.

Particularly towards the end of the season, Tomáš was looking more like his old self. He covered an unbelievable amount of ground, his passing improved, his defending was top quality and he caused issues for defenders like he hadn’t for a long time.

This turnaround in form was enough for him to win the Czech Golden Ball Award for the third time in his career. The accolade is awarded by the Czech press and is given to, who they believe to be, the best player from Czechia.

There’s no doubt that the main reason he won the award was due to turning round his form when it mattered most, and how he played a massive role in his side winning the Conference League.

“This is incredible,” he exclaimed at the trophy parade. “It was so special for me to win a trophy back in my country. I have been playing at that Stadium for a long time previously in my career, so to go back there and win a trophy with West Ham was something I never thought would happen.“ It was almost poetic that West Ham won the trophy in Prague, with him and Coufal in the side, and you could see how much it meant to both of the Czech boys.

West Ham fans are still on cloud nine after winning the trophy and the fans can look forward to another season of European nights. “We really hope that winning this trophy will inspire us in Europe next season,” Souček told the crowd. The East London side came so close last time out in the Europa League, who’s to say the club can’t go a step

further this time and get back to back European trophies?

Next season isn’t just a massive one for the club, it’s also a critical one for Souček and his future. With Declan Rice almost certainly leaving West Ham, there is the possibility that one or two midfielders join in the Summer window. If Soucek can not emulate his improved form, he may find himself missing out on a place in the starting XI. Moyes has put a lot of faith in him over the past couple of years but with top quality players on our radar, below par performances just won’t make the cut.

It’s vital that Soucek starts off well in pre-season and finds consistency early on in the League to cement his place in the side. If he plays like he did at the end of the season, there’s no reason why he can’t be a nailed on starter once again. 

By Charlie Bass