What the Premier League is talking about: Soucek is half as good without Alvarez, Brighton are missing a name

Only five games of the staggered 21st round of the Premier League were played over the weekend, yet there is plenty to go around. In our weekly What’s the Premier League all about series, we look at Sheffield Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with West Ham as well as the action in Brighton.

West Ham’s match with Sheffield was primarily discussed because of the hectic action at the end, while pretty much the whole game was chaotic. Both teams had a dysfunctional midfield, both sides made huge mistakes from the set-up, which benefited the strikers.

The importance of West Ham summer signings

Once again, what has been confirmed several times during the season was proven. Without Mohammed Kudus, the Hammers’ offense doesn’t work as it should. No one can replace his talent in one-on-one duels. Just as important is the injured Lucas Paqueta.

Tomas Soucek is no longer keeping up with the six, which is obvious in the absence of Edson Alvarez. The Czech international needs some positional freedom, which he doesn’t have without the Mexican. He has to defend more and can’t go on the attack, and the whole team is paying the price.

If there is something positive to be found in the absence of leaders, it is the fact that the transfers of Alvarez and Kudus were successful. How much they impressed David Moyes is symbolised by the fact that they immediately made the squad despite the coach’s conservative approach.

Brighton need experience

Roberto De Zerbi is working wonders with Brighton. With a young squad, he set a record this century for Premier League teams when his teenagers netted an incredible 19 goals in 2023. Youth is great in this respect, of course, but it will never guarantee balanced statements. And the Seagulls are paying the price.

Brighton have a lot of talent, a lot of very good players, but they are missing a star. If you asked fans to name the team’s biggest offensive personality, some would tell you Pascal Gross, others Solly March, and others Kaoru Mitomo. All three are great players, but not one name is outright feared.

The Seagulls need an experienced player who will also be a mainstay on the field. Someone like Ivan Toney for Brentford, or like Aleksandar Mitrovic was for Fulham. If Brighton want to play up top for years to come, it won’t work with just youth.

It doesn’t have to be an outright striker, but one big name that the opposition will fear. And who other teammates will say, “He ‘s our leader, I can rely on him.“

Source: Premier League