What's Happened To Tomas?

Last season's Hammer of the Year Tomas Soucek has played non stop domestic and International football for the last couple of years, the effects of which are definitely showing signs of catching up with him! Both Soucek and his Czech colleague Vladimir Coufal impressed with their almost super human energy after joining the club, but it appears that commitment came at a collateral cost, essentially both players have look knackered since the start of the season and in need of a 'proper' rest.

Coufal had the 'luxury' of being injured and therefore was able to recuperate whilst getting fit again, his place HAS been taken in the starting line up by the excellent Ben Johnson, perhaps the same thing needs to happen to Tomas Soucek. David Moyes has a custom made replacement in the form of Alex Kral who has been very unfortunate not to have received more game time as a result of having contracted 'long Covid'.

Last night Vladiimir Coufal looked like a new man as he patrolled the right flank, looking like he had never been away, with games coming thick and fast Moyes must surely deploy Kral sooner rather than later. The original thinking that Soucek would play himself back into form has proven to be incorrect, the big Czech midfielder is probably a victim of his own desire to be the best and as such he has not DEMANDED to be rested, but he should be!

Alex Kral was brought in especially to provide strength in depth for the midfield, Mark Noble has done wondrously well when asked to step in, all very good for cup competitions, but 'Nobs' himself will admit that he cannot cut it in the Premier League anymore, save for the odd cameo appearance to help see games out.

We can see little point in NOT using Kral for at least SOME of the games during December, otherwise why did Moyes bring him to the club in the first place? - LN