Report: Tomas Soucek lined up for key West Ham United role

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Tomas Soucek is being lined up as the next captain of West Ham United when Mark Noble eventually departs the club, according to Claret and Hugh.

The Czech Republic international has seen the hiatus from football come at an ideal time, after picking up an injury against Liverpool back in February.

Soucek has wowed the West Ham faithful since his January arrival from Slavia Prague and it the Hammers avoid relegation it’s almost certain his loan deal will turn permanent.

A £3.5 million loan fee was paid for his initial services and The Guardian claims it will cost a further £13.5 million to take him to the London Stadium permanently.

Soucek was withdrawn at half-time of a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool, a game where the Hammers led 2-1 and threatened to end the Reds’ long unbeaten stretch.

His departure during that game proved costly with his athleticism in midfield proving a quality component of David Moyes’ side.

The 25-year-old has only played four times for the Hammers. It is claimed, however, that if he does sign permanently, he will take the armband when Noble is unable to play.

At 32, the West Ham stalwart won’t be playing forever and if the Czech international does sign next season he could feature far less.

Changing of the guard

Soucek arguably offers more energy in the middle of the park these days and Noble might be forced into a peripheral role.

With Declan Rice seen as the future, his place in the team looks pretty much guaranteed.

Soucek could be one of the best pieces of business done by West Ham in recent years.

He is mobile, determined and offers intelligence in midfield.

Making him captain in Noble’s absence might be viewed as a shock to some, but could prove a stroke of genius by Moyes.