In January the Hammers were absolutely desperate for midfield reinforcements, especially more defensively inclined players in the engine room. Veteran captain Mark Noble and the superb Declan Rice were the primary options for David Moyes as Jack Wilshere spent another season on the treatment table, and he has missed 22 matches for the Hammers this term.
Gedson Fernandes was linked with a move when Moyes openly revealed that the Hammers were perusing the highly-rated Portuguese youngster, both Tottenham Hotspur snatched him away at the last minute. In truth, it now appears Spurs did the Irons a favour as Tomas Soucek arrived in his place from Slavia Prague and has been a revelation.
The Czech Republic midfielder made his loan move permeant for £19.1m earlier this week and Hammers hero, Frank McAvennie revealed how impressed he has been by the 25-year-old.
What did he say?
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said: “It is great that they have got that deal completed quickly. He has proven his worth in the Premier League. He formed a wonderful partnership in there with Declan. They are certainly the two for the midfield.”
“When you look at the fee – it is an absolute steal. Look at [Sebastien] Haller, he has been there all season, not stepped up and he cost over £40million. When you have a midfield player scoring more than your main striker it shows you where they need strengthening,” added the former West Ham striker.
An eye for a deal
Another January signing by Moyes, Jarrod Bowen also proved to be an intelligent investment. The former Hull City winger arrived for an initial £20m and played four assists in the last seven matches to help keep West Ham in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Soucek also provided a decisive contribution by scoring three goals after the restart. His back-post runs were eerily reminiscent of former Moyes favourites Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini, and Bowen even played the cross for him to nod in a goal in the vital 3-1 win over relegated Watford.
If Moyes can continue to recruit this summer as effectively as he did in January, then this West Ham side could become incredibly challenging prospect to face next season.
