The list of West Ham legends is a very elite group.
The Hammers have a rich history of iconic players.
Some players become West Ham cult heroes but never quite cross the plane to be considered legends.
What makes a Hammers legend?
Different Hammers heroes have become legends for various reasons.
But they usually share a number of things in common in terms of success, longevity, consistency, loyalty, passion, skill, bravery and dedication.
Those factors combine to make them fundamental players for the team.
From the great Bobby Moore to Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds through to modern day heroes such as Julian Dicks, Paolo Di Canio and Mark Noble.
The word legend is often bandied around too freely.
At West Ham, though, the status is hard earned – as it should be.
West Ham star has surely now sealed legend status
Declan Rice would have been well on course to be the next Hammers legend.
Especially after helping the club win its first trophy for 43 years.
But he gave that up to chase “the top trophies in football” at Arsenal – without much success so far, thanks in no small part to West Ham.
Jarrod Bowen is undoubtedly already on his way to being a certified West Ham legend.
He combines all the elements needed to justify that status and scored that winner in Prague.
Bowen is also well on his way to becoming West Ham’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer.
One of his teammates continues to divide some supporters and stir debate on the subject, though.
But West Ham star Tomas Soucek has surely sealed legend status with a new admission fans will love.
Soucek has been West Ham’s best and most consistent player behind Bowen since they both arrived in January 2020.
The big Czech midfielder has brought goals, endless running, selfless play for the team, a fantastic attitude, application, desire and bravery to West Ham.
He was a key reason the Hammers stayed up when David Moyes returned to the club for a second spell.
Regularly bloodied and bandaged, Soucek has evoked memories of the great Bonds at times.
There have been some difficult spells where West Ham fans have regrettably questioned and even jeered Soucek.
But in a way it makes his West Ham story even greater.
Debate over as Soucek makes admission Hammers fans will love
To face that, not sulk or feel sorry for himself and keep giving his absolute all for the club to turn things around speaks volumes about Soucek.
Every time West Ham get a new manager, Soucek is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
He was a big part of the Hammers winning the Europa Conference League.
And Soucek has also taken on vice-captaincy under Potter.
Everything he does off the pitch is class.
That was typified by his thoughtfulness after scoring against Leicester last time out.
Soucek chose not to do his usual helicopter celebration out of respect to the Foxes’ former owner who sadly passed away in a helicopter crash after a game against West Ham.
The 30-year-old has five years at the club now and looks set to stay for a good while longer yet.
So longevity can be added to his list of traits
Surely now the debate is settled over Soucek after he admitted he sings West Ham’s anthem Bubbles in the tunnel before every single game.
“The West Ham United anthem, which is ‘Bubbles’, obviously (is my favourite chant),” Soucek told the club’s website.
“It’s perfect before the game, and I sing it walking out of the tunnel.”
Tomas Soucek ticks every box to be considered a West Ham legend.
And he should be considered one without question
