One of the many criticisms of West Ham United this season has been a lack of leadership on the pitch.
As talented as Jarrod Bowen is, many would admit that Julen Lopetegui’s decision to hand him the captain’s armband may not have been ideal.
By nature, Bowen is quiet and modest; is probably not the first name that comes to mind when you are looking for a vocal, inspiring and, when necessary, demonstrative leader.
That problem has been magnified by recent officiating guidelines that allow only captains to speak to referees. The days of quietly leading by example are long gone. If you wear the bracelet now, you have to communicate.
While all of that may be true, stripping Bowen of the captaincy mid-season would almost certainly do more harm than good.
So, Nuno Espírito Santo has begun to develop leadership throughout the team, instilling courage, tenacity and shared responsibility instead of depending on a single figure.
Newcomers Taty Castellanos, Pablo and Axel Disasi have added an extra touch.
But there is one familiar face that may prove the most important of all.
Souček’s return gives West Ham value
The reintroduction of Tomáš Souček to the midfield looks like a decisive move.
Souček isn’t just West Ham through and through – he’s exactly the kind of character you need in a relegation fight.
And it’s not just about selection. Nuno has actively tasked the great Czech midfielder with becoming a leader on the pitch.
Souček himself confirmed it: “Nuno wants me to be a leader in the midfield. He wants me to be the connection with the players. My position here, whoever comes, is to make them feel comfortable coming to me, or I can go to them to help them.”
One of football’s great survivors, every time the Hammers appoint a new manager, Souček’s departure from the London Stadium is predicted.
However, it is still here.
He may not always be the most technically talented player, but Big Sou is Mr. Reliable. Run, fight, organize and never hide.
And if West Ham can hold on this season, I suspect they will have a huge role to play.
