West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui is set to bring midfielder Tomas Soucek back into the starting lineup for the crucial Premier League match against Everton. According to recent reports, Soucek, who missed the last game due to illness, has fully recovered and is ready to replace the suspended Edson Alvarez in the midfield.
Lopetegui, who joined West Ham this summer, has faced criticism for his team’s lackluster performance, which has seen them sitting low in the Premier League standings. After a series of disappointing results, including a recent 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, the pressure is mounting on Lopetegui to turn things around quickly. The suspension of Alvarez has forced Lopetegui to make adjustments, and Soucek’s return could provide the experience and energy that West Ham’s midfield has been missing.
West Ham’s midfield has been a weak point this season, with new signings like Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler struggling to keep up with the demands of the Premier League. Soucek, who has been a consistent performer for the Hammers since joining from Slavia Prague in 2020, could bring stability and familiarity to a midfield that has often looked outpaced this season. Although not particularly fast, Soucek’s understanding of Premier League play and his physical presence could help West Ham regain control in the center of the pitch.
The stakes for this upcoming match are high, as another defeat could increase the chances of Lopetegui’s dismissal. The West Ham board has reportedly been evaluating his performance, with a poor result against Everton potentially leading to a managerial change during the international break. Lopetegui’s decision to rely on Soucek in this critical fixture could be pivotal for his future at West Ham.
With several new players adapting to the league and struggling to meet expectations, West Ham’s hopes may rest on experienced players like Soucek stepping up to deliver a strong performance. For Lopetegui, the Everton match could be make-or-break, as the club seeks a much-needed turnaround in form.