Carlos Soler, by his own admission, did not find life in the Premier League easy; a forgettable stint at West Ham United seeing him join a lengthy list of high-profile signings who fell below expectations.
It is fair to say Spain international Soler was not a Hammers favourite.
Despite arriving with a big reputation – the former Valencia captain joined West Ham United on loan from Paris Saint-Germain – he would start only 14 Premier League matches under Julen Lopetegui and David Moyes.
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Speaking to Marca, as he sets about rebuilding his career back in La Liga with Real Sociedad, Carlos Soler insists that his short-lived stint in East London was not without its benefits.
Overall, though, a Hammers side lumbering around the bottom of the table and averaging the 8th lowest possession stats in the division was far from a neat fit for a stylish central midfielder more renowned for his silk than his steel.
Carlos Soler thinks West Ham United move came at the wrong time
Soler still feels he has come back a stronger, more resilient player though, speaking just days after his bouncing volley secured in-form La Real a 1-0 away win at relegation-threatened Mallorca.
“I’m just as much of a protagonist now as I was at my last stint at Valencia because, at PSG, I had a more secondary role,” says the 29-year-old. “And at West Ham, I was only there for one season, which coincided with one of the club’s worst seasons.
“But those two experiences have helped me grow, and now I can enjoy it so much.”
In addition to joining a club on a downward spiral – former defender James Collins feels the Lopetegui appointment was the beginning of the unravelling of a one-time Europa League semi-finalist – there never appeared to be an obvious fit for Soler in West Ham’s XI.
With Lucas Paqueta the starting number ten, Soler was forced in an ill-fitting deeper role.
A footballer who made his name as a box-crashing goalscoring attacking midfielder at Valencia might have thrived if not for Paqueta’s presence. As it was, an awkward fit who struggled with the intensity of English football, West Ham were never going to trigger the £16.5 million clause to make his loan deal permanent.
Now back in a more advanced position which makes better use of his talents, Soler’s form is a big reason why Real Sociedad have lost just one of their last eight La Liga matches. The Txuri Urdin could still qualify for Europe, and are a second-leg victory over rivals Athletic Bilbao away from joining Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
Soler on verge of Copa del Rey final as Hammers face Fulham test
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Sociedad face Athletic tonight, as West Ham travel to face Issa Diop and Fulham; their former centre-half one of many in-form players at Marco Silva’s disposal right now.
“Real Sociedad is a very big club in LaLiga and has to be in the fight for titles,” Soler smiles. “In this case, the Copa del Rey is the most accessible because there are only a few rounds and they go by quickly.
“We’re already in the semi-finals, with a one-goal advantage and the second leg at home. Hopefully Wednesday’s match will be as special as we want it to be so we can reach the final.
“I’ve experienced a lot, I’ve played in three different leagues, I’ve played in the Champions League and a World Cup. I’ve won titles! And I still have a lot to offer here at Real Sociedad.
“I came here to enjoy myself, first and foremost, and to fight for things, and the opportunity to play in a final has come quickly. We have to fight for it, just like reaching the European places in La Liga, even the Champions League places if fifth place grants access.
“It seems audacious, but I think we can fight for it.”
For West Ham, all they are fighting for right now is survival. Silverware and European football is, right now, a thing of the past.
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