West Ham’s Czech duo were delighted with their side’s win over Sheffield United.

Last season both Soucek and Coufal had a lot of critics amongst fans. However, since the start of the season they’ve been two of the most consistent players for the Hammers and seem to be back to their ‘old’ selves.

Tomas Soucek has been thriving since the departure of Declan Rice; it has allowed him to play in a more progressive role while Edson Alvarez sits deeper. He’s scored 3 goals in his last 4 games and he was ecstatic to help his side to three points this weekend. “Every game is hard in the Premier League,” the midfielder confirmed, “and we have to fight for every point,” he told the clubs Official Website.

“It was very important to get back to winning ways in the league today. We know that we played well at Liverpool away and we all felt we could get a win there, so we were unhappy with that result. We had two difficult matches on the bounce, which we lost, and we really wanted to win this home game.”

We’ve been lucky enough to see Soucek at his absolute best lately, and his goal against the Blades means he has already matched his scoring record for last season. “I’m just happy I could score again,” he admitted. “Even if it was with my left-foot! I have to say thank you to Michail because he played a great pass to me.”

The midfielder did have a few chances to score more and on another day it could have been an embarrassing score line for Sheffield United. “I think I could have scored more today, because I had many headers in the box,” he said critically of himself. “But I am happy I scored and it’s great to get a second this week, after the one in Europe last week. But the most important thing is that we’re winning games.”

He’s not the only Czech international who has been on fire lately in East London, Vladimir Coufal put in yet another top quality performance on Saturday and got a brilliant assist for Bowen’s goal.

The right back was disappointed with his team’s 2nd half performance saying “we did not play well” but “all that matters” was the final score.

Unsurprisingly, he went on to praise his friend and teammate for his fine form. “Tomas is very good with his left foot, actually with both feet, so I was not surprised to see him scoring. He keeps scoring for us, and that’s the most important.” The no.5 did was eager to make sure he got the recognition he deserved as well. “Three assists in three games is a fine number too,” Coufal joked. “Today was a good assist and we got the victory, which is the most important thing. I would like to get more assists but I’m very pleased with this one, at the end of a good team move.”

It’s unbelievable how quick times has gone since they joined, and Coufal reflected on how brilliant his time in Claret and Blue has been. “In the three years I’ve been here we’ve won the UEFA Europa Conference League, finished sixth and seventh in the Premier League, and played in Europe three years in a row, which is all very good. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Undoubtedly, Soucek and Coufal have one of the best relationships in the Premier League. They played for Slavia Prague together, they play together at international level and they play together for West Ham. It really is refreshing to see two genuine Czech-mates performing so well and experiencing such success for our club.

They may have come under scrutiny over the last year, but they’ve always been loved by our fan base. They’ve never given less than 100% for this club and, now that they are in good form, long may it continue.

By Charlie Bass