Pundit issues Tomas Soucek warning after £50m+ West Ham news
Kevin Campbell has suggested the arrival of Lucas Paqueta at West Ham could once again extract the best from faltering midfielder Tomas Soucek.
The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old won’t come straight into the Irons lineup but will keep the Czech international “on his toes”.
West Ham confirmed the club-record signing of Paqueta on Monday (29 August).
According to Sky Sports (29 August), the Irons will pay Lyon a fee of £51million for the Brazil international’s services.
Paqueta can play in central and attacking midfield – and notched 11 goals and seven assists in 44 outings for the French giants last term.
Soucek was indispensable for West Ham last term due to the lack of depth in central midfield – but recorded just six goals and one assist in an underwhelming 2021-22 season.
Campbell insisted Paqueta’s arrival will raise the game of everyone in the Irons midfield.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think West Ham have got real depth in central midfield all of a sudden.
“With Soucek, his first season was incredible, his second season was good, but now there has to be a challenge.
“They’ve gotten too used to having Declan Rice and Soucek in midfield every week. Now, there’s competition.
“Paqueta coming in should make everyone play better.
“I don’t know if he’ll come straight in, but it’d be interesting to watch Soucek playing with Paqueta sat on the bench and raring to go.
“I’ll tell you what, that’ll keep Soucek on his toes.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as West Ham tell long-serving star to find new club.